Oslo Opera House

The roof walk has become one of Oslo's most visited free experiences, attracting more visitors than many paid attractions in the city. On summer evenings, locals bring wine and picnics to the marble slopes. In winter, the white marble blends with snow and ice in a way that feels planned rather than accidental, and the Opera House is even more dramatically visible from the fjord.

Inside, the opera house is a fully functional world-class performing arts venue — home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, with a main auditorium seating 1,364, a second stage for more experimental productions, and extensive education facilities. The main auditorium is clad in oak, with a chandelier of 5,000 hand-blown glass tubes designed by the German artist Olafur Eliasson. When the programme includes tours of the interior (which happens on selected days), access to the auditorium and backstage areas is included.

The building anchors the Bjørvika district — the most significant urban development in Oslo since the 19th century — which has transformed a container port into a cultural and residential quarter. The Munch Museum, the new main library (Deichman Bjørvika), and a cluster of residential towers have followed the Opera House, and the district is still under active development.

The Opera House is a 5-minute walk from Oslo Central Station, immediately visible from the station's main entrance. Walk along the harbourfront. The building is freely accessible from the waterfront at all times. Check the opera and ballet schedule on the website and book tickets well in advance for popular productions — seats sell out quickly.