The Opera House in Oslo transformed Bjørvika’s formerly industrial docklands into a vibrant cultural hub alongside institutions like the Munch Museum, performing arts venues, outdoor saunas, and cafés.

Nestled in the Bjørvika neighbourhood at the edge of the fjord, the Opera House is home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. It was completed in 2007 and inaugurated in 2008 and spans around 38,500–49,000 m² with over 1,100 rooms

Its striking “iceberg” appearance merges white Carrara marble, Italian marble, and Norwegian granite, making it appear to emerge from the water. Inside, you’ll find a warm oak‑lined foyer, three performance halls (including a 1,364‑seat main auditorium), and the opportunity to peer into rehearsal spaces through glass panels—an architectural embrace of transparency and activity. The foyer’s aesthetic elements include ozoned imagery installations by Olafur Eliasson, a sculptural She Lies piece floating in the fjord, and numerous artist collaborations integrating art with architecture.