Woke up, got out of bed, dragged a comb across my head. Then I had a cup (of pour over coffee), dressed, with a positive attitude because we were going to have fantastic experiences today.
We started at Oslo City Hall, the site of governing and often the site of the Nobel Peace Prize presentations. We had seen City Hall from a distance the day before with our guide who said that the great depression and WWII had delayed completion until 1950. When finished the public was critical: “Why get excited about a building that just opened and looks 30 years old.” The brick work has some nice creativity, and looks nice from afar, but entering the building is an artistic treat. First, in the covered walkway there are a series of colorful wood carvings depicting historic and mythological themes. Just the beginning of the patriotic voyage. After passing security, we entered the Main Hall (where the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded). Norway’s leading artists contributed to each of the four walls that purposefully display spectacular art:
The mural over the entrance doors celebrates the traditional industries of Norway, with the fisherman, the factory worker, the sailor, the farmer, and the miner. (FYI-The Artist Diego Rivera’s industrial mural room at the Detroit Institute of Art project similar theme and imagery.
The main mural emphasizes Oslo’s youth taking part in rebuilding the nation after the Nazi occupation.
The Mural of the Occupation portrays the story of Norway’s WWII experience in dramatic sequence.
At the base of the main stairs is a mural of St. Hallvard the patron saint of Oslo, whose exploits to save an assaulted woman led to his own death. The story, considered one of compassion in the face of injustice, helped spirit the movement toward Christian faith. See photos.
The ceremonial rooms, such as the Munch room, are also great.
The below photos covers the full great hall, the story of WWII
We now continue are walk to the National Museum, a modern behemoth of a building that brings together Norway’s art from three separate sites. Too much to see in one day so we chose to follow the museum’s self-directed tour using our phones. We were well pleased to experience a variety of mediums and artists, especially the Edvard Munch gallery of Norway’s most famous and influential Painter. Now don’t SCREAM!
PS. The lunch at the Museum Café was tasty.
This museum was first class operation
We went next door to the Nobel Peace Center which had an interesting inter active display and touch system for each recipient, Teddy Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, to name a few.
Janet’s plan was a visit to the fortress, but after a quick discussion we agreed that it is okay to end the day at 4:00. We headed back to the hotel for a rest. Evening meal was at the crowded dock area with music and street dancing to entertain all as we sat on the patio.
