The Oslo Opera House (Norwegian: Operahuset) is the home of the Norwegian National
Opera and Ballet, and the national opera theatre in Norway. The building is situated
in the Bjørvika neighbourhood of central Oslo, at the head of the Oslofjord. It is operated
by Statsbygg, the government agency which manages property for the Norwegian government.
The structure contains 1,100 rooms in a total area of 49,000 m2 (530,000 sq ft).
know more about the history of Oslo Opera house
In 1999, after a long national debate, the Norwegian legislature decided to construct a new
opera house in the city. A design competition was held and, of the 350 entries received, the
judges chose that of the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta. Construction started in 2003
and was completed in 2007, ahead of schedule and 300 million NOK (~US$52 million) under its
budget of 4.4 billion NOK (~US$760 million). The gala opening on 12 April 2008 was attended by
His Majesty King Harald, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and President Tarja Halonen of Finland
and other leaders. During the first year of operation, 1.3 million people passed through the
building's doors.
