Oslo City Hall
Oslo rådhus
A red-brick functionalist building with twin towers. The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held in its main hall every year, and huge murals inside depict Norwegian history and life. Free admission.
Oslo City Hall was designed by architects Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson. Construction began in 1931 but was interrupted by World War II, and the building was completed in 1950 to mark the 900th anniversary of the city. It is in the red-brick functionalist style, and its two towers, about 63 and 66 meters high, stand out prominently around the harbor. The east tower houses a carillon of 49 bells that plays tunes on the hour. The facade and courtyard feature many sculptures and wood reliefs depicting Norwegian myths, history and laborers. The main hall, about 1,500 square meters, has huge murals covering its walls, with themes ranging from Norwegian labor and resistance during the occupation to city life. The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held here every year on December 10. City Hall is usually open to the public free of charge. In summer there are free English guided tours (check the official website), and it is occasionally closed for municipal events. The square in front of City Hall faces the fjord, and the ferry pier Rådhusbrygge is here. In summer, ferries to the Bygdøy Peninsula museums depart from here. To the west are Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen's seaside restaurants and the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. To the east is Akershus Fortress.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–16:00 (summer weekends may change; closed during events; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Nobel Peace Center
- National Museum of Norway
- Akershus Fortress
- Aker Brygge
- Karl Johans gate & Royal Palace
- Ibsen Museum
- Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art
- Oslo Cathedral