Oslo City Hall — officially Oslo rådhus — is a famous building that houses the city council and administration. In this spot the world-renowned Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place. Walk along its magnificent halls, admire its art gallery and take photos from the clock tower.
Oslo rådhus was built to replace Gamle rådhus, one of the oldest constructions in Oslo and its former city hall. The new city hall’s construction started in 1933 and in 1950 it was officially inaugurated. Notice that the building is built completely in red bricks. Take photos of the two great towers that are more than 200 feet (60 meters) high.
While you are visiting Oslo City Hall, make sure you explore the exterior of the building as well. At the western wall see the famous sculpture by Anne Grimdalen depicting Harald Hardråde, a king of Norway during the 11th century. At the front of the building, find six sculptures by the renowned sculptor Per Palle Storm. Discover what is considered the most important work of the Norwegian sculptor and painter Dagfin Werenskiold. The Yggdrasilfrisen are fantastic wooden reliefs decorated in several colors and depicting scenes from Norse mythology.
Wander inside Oslo rådhus and go up the eastern tower. Here you can see the famous Klokkespillet, the clock of city hall, and admire fantastic views of the fjord and the city of Oslo. Join the clock’s guided tour to learn about the history of this amazing mechanism. Stop at the Rådhusgalleriet, the City Hall Art Gallery, to find exhibits of different artists.
Explore Oslo rådhus and discover the main chamber of the city hall. The elegant room has marble floors and paintings depicting the history of the city and several of its kings.
The city hall is located in the heart of the city, in the neighborhood of Pipervika. It faces Oslofjorden (Oslo Fjord), a famous inlet in the southeastern part of the country.