Located in the center of Norway’s capital, the Royal Palace of Oslo is a symbol of Norwegian history that embodies neoclassical architectural beauty.
In 1824, King Carl III Johan of Norway commissioned architect Hans Linstow to build a palace in the neoclassical style. Originally, the Danish architect designed a two-story building with projecting wings on both sides of the main façade. This design was too expensive, and Linstow removed the projecting wings and added a third story instead. The palace was completed in 1849.
Carl Johan never lived there. His son, King Oscar I, was the palace’s first resident and made several modifications, including extending the wings facing the front garden and replacing the original steep roof with an elegant flat roof.
The palace’s interior reflects the successive styles that were fashionable during this 25-year construction period. The most prominent style is neoclassicism, a revival of classical architecture characterized by simple geometric forms, Greek or Roman details, blank walls, prominent use of columns, and a majestic scale. This style is reflected in the Pompeian frescoes in the banqueting hall, the pastel walls in the majestic great hall, and the vestibule, which is a prime example of Norwegian classicist architecture. The Royal Palace Park is filled with greenery, small ponds, and sculptures. The Queen’s Park features a beautiful Rococo garden.
The Royal Palace of Oslo remains the main residence of the Norwegian Royal family.
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