City Hall is one of the most remarkable buildings in Oslo, attracting the attention of all visitors with its simple geometric form. Its construction, designed by Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulson and completed in 1950 on the eve of Oslo's 900th anniversary, placed the Norwegian capital on a par with Copenhagen and Stockholm in terms of architectural grandeur. It was the most daring project that absolutely transformed the appearance of the city.
More than 8 million handmade bricks were used to build the Town Hall. The foundation stone was laid by King Håkon VII himself.
On one of the towers there is a huge clock, from where every hour a melody, created by the sounding of 49 bells and reminiscent of inept children playing the piano, is heard.
From the wall of the building, those on the Town Hall Square or in the harbour are greeted by St Halvard, the patron saint of Oslo. The main entrance is located at the back of the Town Hall, Fridtjof Nansen Square, where you will find a fountain and mythological wooden sculptures.
Oslo City Hall is world famous for being the place where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each year, in the ceremonial hall decorated with paintings by Henrik Serensen. Other halls are also worthy of visitors' attention. They are painted with fine frescoes depicting the nature of Norway, historical events and sketches of people's lives.
In front of the building is the Town Hall Square, which overlooks the Oslofjord, where municipal ferries and various pleasure boats depart from the bay from four piers.
The building is also worth a visit.
