EUROPE

by Kirsti Svenning, Communication Advisor

The Nobel Peace Center is Norway’s most modern museum. It presents the Nobel Peace Prize laureates and their committed, groundbreaking efforts. Permanent and temporary exhibitions provide an insight into topics such as war, peace, and conflict resolution. Guided tours, films, and seminars invite you to reflect, debate, and get involved.

The Nobel Peace Center was opened by King Harald on June 11, 2005. A total of seven representatives from the royal houses of Norway and Sweden attended the opening ceremony, which was part of the official program of events to mark Norway’s centenary as an independent country.

At the opening ceremony, the 2004 Peace Prize laureate, Wangari Maathai of Kenya, said: “As you walk through the halls of this Center and reflect on the men and women who have been honored over the years, you will see your own thoughts, dreams, and aspirations. Indeed, a part of all of us is reflected here. As you see the challenges and opportunities, you too will be inspired to take action to make your world a more peaceful place.”

All the Peace Prize laureates from 1901 until today are presented in the Nobel Field. One hundred movement-sensored screens, a thousand glowing light diodes, and atmospheric music provide an unforgettable experience. The Center’s interactive Wallpaper contains almost three thousand articles about the laureates, Alfred Nobel, and the Nobel Year. The Center cinema screens a set repertoire of mini-documentaries about the Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Topical documentaries and feature films are shown periodically.

The red gift shop sells unique products and literature for children and adults. Scheduled guided tours are given every day during the summer and on weekends during the winter season. The Nobel Peace Center offers educational activities for schools, children, and youth, and offers facilities for meetings and seminars. We hold various kinds of temporary exhibitions. From June 6, 2008 to February 2009, “The Places We Live,” is being held in the main hall. Norwegian photographer Jonas Bendiksen presents 16 homes in four different slum areas. This exhibition challenges viewers to reflect on what it means to live in a city in the 21st century.

Address: P.O. Box 1894 Vika 0124 Oslo, Norway
Tel: +47-48-30-10-00
Homepage: http://www.nobelpeacecenter.org/
Days closed: June 1-August 31: open 7 days a week
September 1-May 31: closed Mondays
(See website to confirm latest opening hours.)
Admission: Adults: 80 NOK; Students/Seniors: 55 NOK; Children under 16: Free


(Originally published on June 2, 2008)