On Friday, the Prime Minister got a sneak peek inside the giant museum that will open in 2022. The project has a cost framework of NOK 6.05 billion.
– We have spent an awful lot of money on this. But then it is important that it delivers on quality, that it delivers on something that will stand for the next hundred years for our nation. To promote our art, says the Prime Minister to NTB.
It was the red-green government that in 2013 approved the construction of what will be the Nordic region’s largest art museum. It should actually open in 2019, but after several postponements it should be ready next year.
– Done is done
The Prime Minister was shown around the large exhibition halls where building materials of the highest quality have been used.
– We can always discuss: Should it cost just as much as this? But done is done and eaten is eaten, I tend to say. It was passed before we came into government. What is important now is that we get something that will be of great, international standard, says Solberg.
In total, more than 5,000 works will be shown in the permanent exhibition, including famous paintings such as “Scream”, “Wedding in Hardanger” and “Winter Night in Rondane”. But also contemporary art, fashion, design, textiles, handicrafts and sculptures will be exhibited.
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Prime Minister Erna Solberg will be given a tour of the new National Museum, which will open in 2022. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB
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Have been to the Louvre
The Prime Minister does not think it can be too much of a good thing, and that it can be overwhelming with so much art in one place.
– I’ve been to the Louvre, so this is not big. I was once in my 20s when I tried my hand at the whole Louvre in one day. This is still not the biggest. I think it is affordable, says Solberg.
The new national museum will house a total of over 100,000 works over 55,000 square meters.
Diger building
There have been divided opinions about the somewhat square and large gray building that has risen behind the old Vestbanestasjonen near Aker Brygge.
– There are many who think that this building will be very large. That it is a bit mastodontic, but inside it looks much better integrated, Solberg said when she came inside the museum.
Museum director Karin Hindsbo thinks it will be good when everything is finished.
– I think the building will eventually fall very nicely into the cityscape. Among other things, wild wine will grow along the wall, Hindsbo said when she showed the Prime Minister around.
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The building will have a large roof terrace with beautiful views of the city. Photo: Stian Lysberg Solum / NTB
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Hoping for a lift for the city
To NTB, the director says that the building will get nicer and nicer with the years.
– It is created to dazzle into the surroundings in a slightly discreet way. This is not meant to be an architecture that will steal attention from art. On the contrary. It will create the best conditions for showing the art, she says.
– I think this ends up being a big boost, not only in Oslo, but for the whole country.
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