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The National Theater Oslo Overview

The National Theater is one of the biggest and most well-known theatres in Norway for dramatic art performances. In 1899, Henrik Bull designed the magnificent theatre in Oslo, Norway. On your visit, you can admire the breathtaking architecture in the entrance hall, which has had its original furniture since the theatre’s opening. 

The theatre has four stages: the main stage (Hovedscenen), the Torshov theatre (Torshovteatret), the painting parlour (Malersalen), and the amphitheatre (Amfiscenen). The main stage has a seating capacity of over 700 people. You can also discover the workshops and other backstage areas of the theatre.


Witness the impressive statues of legendary Norwegian writers Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson and Henrik Ibsen at the theatre entrance. You can also spot their names with Ludvig Holberg engraved on the magnificent facade of the theatre. 


You can watch various dramas or plays depicting the traditions and culture of Norway. Also, get a chance to participate in the biennial International Ibsen Festival hosted by the National Theater. 

Highlights

• Explore the National Theater, one of the biggest and most well-known theatres in Norway since 1899.
• Witness the statues of the great Norwegian writers Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson and Henrik Ibsen at the entrance of the theatre. 
• Discover the four drama stages inside the theatre: Hovedscenen, Amfiscenen, Torshovteatret and Malersalen.
• Get a chance to learn about the culture and traditions of Norway by watching a play or a drama.
• Become a part of the International Ibsen Festival hosted by the National Theater every two years.

How To Reach

By Car: 

The National Theater is approximately 1.6 km from the city centre of Oslo, Norway, via Rv162. You can cover the distance in 5 minutes by a cab. 

By Bus: 

You can take a bus 30, 31, 12N, 70, 81 or 42N to the nearest station, Nationaltheatret, which will take around 3 minutes. The bus operates often every 5 minutes and is 100 metres from the attraction. 

By Tram: 

You can take a tram 11 or 13 to the nearest station, Nationaltheatret, which will take around 2 to 5 minutes. The tram runs often every 10 minutes and is 100 metres far from the attraction. 

By Subway:

You can take a subway 1, 2,3,4, or 5 to the nearest station, Nationaltheatret. It will take around 2 minutes and runs often every 5 minutes. Further, the attraction is 100 metres from the station, which is a 2-minute walk. 

By Foot:

The attraction is around 1.2 km from the city centre via Storgata. You can cover the distance by a 15-minute walk on this route. 

Best Time To Visit

The National Theater is a year-round place, so plan your visit as per your availability and seasonal preferences. 

Best day in the week:

The best day in the week to visit the National Theater is between Monday and Saturday. You can plan your visit, as per your preferences, from sightseeing to watching a drama. 

Best time of the day:

The best time of the day to visit the National Theater is during your show time or between the opening hours from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. 

Other Essential Information

Visitor tips

  • Wheelchair accessibility is there for physically challenged people with reserved wheelchair seating spaces.
  • If you want to have guided tours, you have to make early reservations. 
  • Consider talking politely and avoid making loud noises so that you don’t disturb the people around you.
  • Enjoy some snacks from the refreshment counter.
  • Keep the surroundings clean, and throw your litter in the garbage responsibly. 
  • Buy show tickets online to avoid the long queues and visit early as per your show time. 
  • Carry a camera to click countless pictures of you with the stunning backdrops of the theatre. 
Read More
Day Wise Timings
Open Today
mo
Normal Timings:
12:00 PM to 07:30 PM
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Normal Timings:
12:00 PM to 07:30 PM
we
Normal Timings:
12:00 PM to 07:30 PM
th
Normal Timings:
12:00 PM to 07:30 PM
fr
Normal Timings:
12:00 PM to 07:30 PM
sa
Normal Timings:
12:00 PM to 07:30 PM
su
Normal Timings:
12:00 PM to 07:30 PM
Point of Interest for The National Theater Oslo
Enjoy a Drama/ Play
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Enjoy a Drama/ Play

Enjoy different types of dramas or plays while exploring the National Theater. You can also attend drama workshops or explore the backstage areas. These performances will tell you a lot about the traditions and culture of Norway. In addition, you can observe various antique props inside the theatre. 

Admire the Magnificent Statues
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Admire the Magnificent Statues

Admire the magnificent statues of the great Norwegian writers Henrik Ibsen and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson at the theatre entrance. Their names along with Dano-Norwegian playwright Ludvig Holberg are engraved on the magnificent facade of the theatre. 

You can also learn about many other renowned Norwegian writers and the numerous plays they wrote during that time. 

Explore the Stunning Stages
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Explore the Stunning Stages

Explore the 4 performance stages in the National Theater, including the main stage named Hovedscenen. Other stages are Malersalen, which is the painting parlour and Amfiscenen, which is the amphitheatre. The fourth stage is Torshovteatret, the Torshov theatre in the Torshov district of Oslo. 

While discovering the stages, marvel at the astonishing architecture of the entrance hall, having original furniture since the theatre’s opening.

Participate in the International Ibsen Festival
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Participate in the International Ibsen Festival

Become a part of the International Ibsen Festival, which is hosted by The National Theater every two years. The festival is celebrated to pay tribute to the legendary Norwegian playwright. Norway's most famous writer of all time, Henrik Ibsen, is considered a legendary figure. 

At the festival, you can capture priceless moments while enjoying some of the old plays in the English language.

Stroll in the Lush Green Gardens
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Stroll in the Lush Green Gardens

Stroll in the lush green gardens with your loved ones around the National Theater. You can immerse yourself in a peaceful environment that will relax your mind. Also, spot the diverse varieties of flowers while taking in the fresh air around the park. 

Click abundant pictures and selfies of you and your loved ones with the backdrop of green gardens and the historical National Theater building.

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