Bergen National Theatre

The National Theatre, in Bergen

The National Theatre of Bergen is the first national theatre of Norway, cultural jewel of a town elected European capital of culture in the year 2000. The Bergen audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this prestigious stage, witness of the artistic richness of the town of the fjords.

The great stage of the town of culture

Elected European city of culture in the year 2000, Bergen possesses a rich and varied cultural scene: it hosts one of the oldest symphony orchestras of the world, a multitude of international festivals, numerous quality museums, and the first national theatre of Norway, that stands before us. Founded in the nineteenth century, this theatre, called Den Nationale Scene, is one of the most prestigious theatrical institutions of the country. It is notably linked to the memory of the great Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, one of the most famous playwrights of the world, who worked there at his beginnings as artistic director and director, before writing the masterpieces that made him universally famous. The building, with its fine architecture, testifies to the cultural ambition of Bergen and to its attachment to the performing arts. Still in activity, the theatre offers a rich programme of classical and contemporary plays, perpetuating a long tradition. With its festivals, its museums and its institutions, Bergen confirms its status of great town of culture. A prestigious theatre and a cultural jewel, the National Theatre is a fine stop of the discovery of Bergen.

What to see

You admire the first national theatre of Norway, Den Nationale Scene, founded in the nineteenth century, one of the most prestigious theatrical institutions of the country, linked to the great playwright Henrik Ibsen who worked there at his beginnings; in a town elected European capital of culture in 2000, rich with an old symphony orchestra, festivals and museums, this theatre perpetuates a long tradition. The National Theatre is a cultural jewel of Bergen. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The National Theatre lies in the centre of Bergen, reachable on foot. You admire its façade from outside; the performances follow their own programme and hours, which vary. It is best to check the agenda before coming.

Why is the National Theatre of Bergen important?

Because it is the first national theatre of Norway, Den Nationale Scene, founded in the nineteenth century, one of the most prestigious theatrical institutions of the country, linked to the great playwright Henrik Ibsen who worked there at his beginnings; it testifies to the cultural richness of Bergen, elected European capital of culture in the year 2000.

Where is the National Theatre in Bergen?

In the centre of Bergen, in Norway.