Celebrating Design Excellence
The New National Museum in Oslo

The summer of 2023 marks the one-year anniversary since the opening of Oslo’s new National Museum.

Centrally located on the waterfront of the Norwegian capital alongside the Nobel Peace Centre, the museum houses a collection of over 400,000 objects, promising an unforgettable cultural experience.

Klaus Schuwerk, the main architect behind the project, collaborated with Berlin-based Kleihues + Kleihues to establish Kleihues + Schuwerk, dedicated to completing the Museum. Schuwerk’s vision for the museum is evident in its temple-like structure, as he explains, “A museum is, in a sense, the temple of our time. It might sound pretentious, but I’ve always aspired to design my own Pantheon.”

Since its opening in the summer of 2022, it has become the largest art museum in the Nordics, boasting 10,000 m2 of exhibition space, a 2,400 m2 Light Hall, cafes, stores, and a rooftop terrace. This new venue accommodates 6,500 works of art, architecture, and design—twice the capacity of its previous iteration.

“The materials should stand the test of time, so that the building can age with patina and dignity.“

– Klaus Schuwerk, architect

 

Our pride in Northern’s Norwegian heritage aligns with our participation in this architectural and cultural achievement. The museum’s senior curator selected several of our products for an exhibition on Norwegian design. As you explore Norwegian design, you’ll encounter our Illusion pendant lamp by Hareide Design, the Dais step stool by the Norwegian design duo Gridy, and the cherished Oaki dining chair by Stine Aas.

Kleihues + Schuwerk primarily designed most of the museum’s interior. However, the local design studios Cadi and Kaels were entrusted with the design of the employee section, meeting rooms, and public salon. For the salon seating, they opted for the Oaki lounge chair, a sibling of the chair featured in the exhibition. Should you seek respite from the museum’s extensive collection, you can relax in our favored Oaki lounge chair while taking in the Oslo Fjord’s view.

About Stine Aas

Stine Aas is a Bergen-based designer with a degree from Bergen Academy of Art and Design. Aas has made a significant impact on the Norwegian design scene within a few short years. Her work for Northern includes the Plis sofa series, the Oaki lounge and dining chair, The Nest wall hook, and the Grab watering can.

Read about when we visited Stine Aas’ studio.

Several of Northern’s exquisite products are available for purchase in the museum store, showcasing accessories crafted by renowned Norwegian designers. Discover the Monolith candle holder by Morten & Jonas, the Observe tray by Ayla Gürsoy, and the Trace flashlight by Gridy.

To learn more about the National Museum, purchase tickets, or explore its offerings, please visit the museum’s official website: nasjonalmuseet.no.