Kunstnernes Hus (

Norwegian Norwegian, Norwayan, or Norsk may refer to: *Something of, from, or related to Norway, a country in northwestern Europe * Norwegians, both a nation and an ethnic group native to Norway * Demographics of Norway *The Norwegian language, including ...

for "Artists' House") is an art gallery in

Oslo Oslo ( , , or ; sma, Oslove) is the capital and most populous city of Norway. It constitutes both a county and a municipality. The municipality of Oslo had a population of in 2022, while the city's greater urban area had a population ...

Norway Norway, officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, the mainland territory of which comprises the western and northernmost portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The remote Arctic island of Jan Mayen and the ...

. It is Norway's largest gallery under the direction of artists, and has served as a major center for exhibits of Norwegian and international contemporary art. It is also a prominent example of

Functionalist architecture In architecture, functionalism is the principle that buildings should be designed based solely on their purpose and function. This principle is a matter of confusion and controversy within the profession, particularly in regard to modern archite ...

situated in Wergelandsveien 17, across the Royal palace park. After having raised funds and interest for several years, ''Bildende Kunstneres Styre'' (now Norwegian Visual Artists Association) acquired the site for its headquarters in 1927 and opened an architectural contest in 1928. Several important specifications were imposed on entries, among them natural light from the ceiling, limited building height, and a façade that blended with the surrounding architecture. Its architecture is noted as an important milestone in the transition from the legacy of 19th century

Neoclassical architecture Neoclassical architecture is an architectural style produced by the Neoclassical movement that began in the mid-18th century in Italy and France. It became one of the most prominent architectural styles in the Western world. The prevailing style ...

to 20th century Functionalism. Over 60 proposals were submitted, and the winning proposal, named ''Felix'', by

Gudolf Blakstad Gudolf Blakstad (19 May 1893 – 22 November 1985) was a Norwegian architect. He was noted for his work in the transition between neo-classicism and functionalism in Norwegian architecture. Biography Blakstad was born in Gjerpen, Norway. He ...

and

Herman Munthe-Kaas Herman Munthe-Kaas (25 May 1890 – 5 May 1977) was a Norwegian architect. He was primarily known for his functionalist building designs. Biography Munthe-Kaas was born at Christiania (now Oslo), Norway. He was the son of Marius William M ...

, was simplified before construction began in 1929. The building opened on 1 October 1930 as an independent foundation with public support. In 1931 it won the Houen Prize for excellent architecture. It was renovated in 2000/2001 at a cost of about NOK 20 million to improve the galleries, the general structural and aesthetic integrity, and bring safety infrastructure to modern standards. Kunstnernes Hus is governed by a five-member board, four elected by the Norwegian Visual Artists Association, and one from the Ministry of Culture. In addition to numerous shows throughout the year, it is one of two sites for the annual art show

Høstutstillingen Høstutstillingen or Statens kunstutstilling (English: ''The Autumn Exhibition'' or ''National Art Exhibition'') is an annual art exhibition in Oslo, Norway. The exhibition is Norway's largest marking of contemporary art and takes place each autum ...

and also the annual fellowship application exhibit. Several pieces are on permanent display, including the bronze lion sculptures at the entrance by

Ørnulf Bast Ørnulf Bast (25 January 1907 – 28 October 1974) was a Norwegian sculptor and painter particularly known for his public monuments. Background Ørnulf Bjarne Bast was born in Oslo. His parents were Halsten Andersen Bast Birklund (1870–19 ...

, a relief by Niels Larsen Stevns, and pieces by Per Krogh and Lars Backer. There are galleries on two floors. There is also an eating establishment on the ground floor.

References

Kunstnernes Hus website
* Steinar Gjessing (ed.): ''Kunstnernes hus 1930-1980'' Oslo: 1980. Kunstnernes Hus publication.
Press release from Statsbygg about the renovation project

Houen award listings
{{authority control Buildings and structures completed in 1930 Buildings and structures in Oslo Modernist architecture in Norway 1930 establishments in Norway Art museums established in 1930 Art museums and galleries in Norway