The three neoclassical buildings flanking the upper section of Karl Johans gate are the original campus of the University of Oslo, Norway's oldest and largest university. The university was founded in 1811, when Norway was still in union with Denmark, and it was a major step in establishing the country's intellectual independence. The main buildings were designed by Christian H. Grosch, the same architect who did the Stock Exchange and the old Bank of Norway, and completed in the 1850s.
The central building, Domus Media, faces Karl Johans gate with its columned portico. The Universitetshagen, the small garden between the buildings, contains statues and old trees and is a popular spot for locals to sit in the sun. The Aula, the university's ceremonial hall in the left wing, contains murals by Edvard Munch, painted between 1909 and 1916. The centrepiece is Solen, The Sun, a monumental work that fills the entire back wall. The Aula is where the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded from 1947 to 1989, before the ceremony moved to Oslo Rådhus. It can be visited during opening hours.
Most university functions have long since moved to the larger campus at Blindern, but the Karl Johan buildings remain in use for the Faculty of Law. On 17 May, the National Day, the park fills with people watching the children's parade pass by on the street below.
The central building, Domus Media, faces Karl Johans gate with its columned portico. The Universitetshagen, the small garden between the buildings, contains statues and old trees and is a popular spot for locals to sit in the sun. The Aula, the university's ceremonial hall in the left wing, contains murals by Edvard Munch, painted between 1909 and 1916. The centrepiece is Solen, The Sun, a monumental work that fills the entire back wall. The Aula is where the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded from 1947 to 1989, before the ceremony moved to Oslo Rådhus. It can be visited during opening hours.
Most university functions have long since moved to the larger campus at Blindern, but the Karl Johan buildings remain in use for the Faculty of Law. On 17 May, the National Day, the park fills with people watching the children's parade pass by on the street below.