Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
55
Oslo Spektrum
F3
56
Rockefeller Music Hall
E2
57
Saga Kino
B2
58
Stratos
E2
59
Villa
E2
Shopping
60
Aker Brygge Shopping Complex
A4
61
Ark Bokhandel
D3
63
Gunerius Shopping Centre
F2
64
Heimen Husflid
D2
65
Husfliden
C2
66
Norli
C2
67
Norway Designs
B2
69
Unique Design
C3
Vinmonopolet
(see 68)
The main entrance to the Opera House is purposely small and unimpressive, which
serves only to add to the sense of vastness that greets you on entering the main foyer (the
windows alone are 15m high and flood the foyer with light). Aside from the windows, the
other dominating feature of the foyer is the
Wave Wall
. Made of strips of golden oak, the
wall curves up through the centre of the foyer and provides access to the upper levels of
the building. Opposite the wave wall, green lights create playful patterns on the wall (and
make the toilets and coat room they hide the most artistic you will ever visit!).
GUSTAV VIGELAND
The sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) was born to a farming family near Man-
dal, in the far south of Norway. As a child and teenager he became deeply interested
in Protestantism, spirituality, woodcarving and drawing - a unique combination that
would dominate his life's work. In 1888 Vigeland secured an apprenticeship to
sculptor Brynjulf Bergslien. The following year he exhibited his first work at the
State Exhibition of Art. It was the break he needed, bringing his talents to national
and international attention.