Oslo rådhus

Oslo rådhus is Oslo’s municipal building, facing the Oslofjord from northern Pipervika. Architects Arnstein Arneberg and Magnus Poulsson designed the building. Construction ran from 1931 to 1950, interrupted by the Second World War. Its red-brick form combines paired towers with a rectangular section facing the water. The towers rise to 63 and 66 metres. Handmade bricks, stone plates, zigzag courses, and narrow openings shape the facades. Local Hovin Teglverk produced the unusually large bricks in Oslo.

Sculptures and reliefs give the exterior a detailed civic character. Anne Grimdalen’s Harald Hardråde stands on horseback along the western wall. Nic Schiøll’s Saint Hallvard faces the fjord at the front. Inside, the main hall measures 31 metres wide, 39 metres long, and about 21 metres high. Marble covers its floor and parts of its walls. Murals by Henrik Sørensen and Alf Rolfsen portray Oslo, Norway, monarchs, and Saint Hallvard. The semi-circular council chamber contains oak and tapestries, including one showing Saint Hallvard and seven virtues. A carillon occupies the eastern tower. The building hosts the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony and is wheelchair accessible.