Bergen National Theatre

Bergen was named European Capital of Culture in the year 2000, and it’s easy to see why. The city is bursting with creativity, from world-class museums and international festivals to one of the world’s oldest symphony orchestras. In front of you stands a true landmark of Norwegian culture: the country’s first national theatre. Inside, you’ll find a program of opera, theatre, dance, and concerts, all with top-tier programming. The city’s first performance venue was established in 1850, thanks to Ole Bull, a celebrated Norwegian composer and violinist. That original venue was known as the Norwegian Theatre. The building you see today came later, its foundation was laid in 1906 by King Haakon VII. Designed in the Art Nouveau style by architect Einar Oscar Schou, the theatre opened its doors in 1909. Damaged during the Second World War, it was later restored and given heritage protection status in 1993. That same year, it was recognised as the National Theatre and began receiving public funding. As you walk around the building, take a moment to admire the statues of Norway’s greatest playwrights: Henrik Ibsen, Nordahl Grieg, and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, considered the country’s greatest lyric poet.