Oslo Opera House

As befits what's housed inside, opera houses seem to invite exciting and dramatic architecture. The Oslo Opera House is no exception. The structure looks like a pale iceberg lifting up from the dark fjord waters that surround it, at least in the summer. I'm sure it blends into its environment more quietly in the winter.

It was designed by Snøhetta and completed in 2007. Most of the structure is made out of white marble and granite, and it slopes away from the water at an angle that encourages climbing. If you climb up the stairs or sloping surfaces to the top, you are rewarded with a great view of the city and fjord.



There are great details outside...



...and in: an oak interior, panels by Olafur Eliasson.



Out in the harbor is Monica Bonvincini's floating sculpture 'She Lies'.



Until next time!



Closer to home, Snøhetta designed the SFMOMA expansion, which is currently under construction.