New cultural district for Oslo

The Art Newspaper reports that Oslo has announced a plan to move several museums and its main library to a central waterside location near the harbor and close to the new National Opera house.

"The Munch Museum, the Stenersen Museum, which houses three private collections of Norwegian art, and the library will move as will four branches of the National Museum (the National Gallery, the Museum of Modern Art, the Design Mus­eum and the administrative departments).

A series of architectural competitions for the new buildings are to be held next year, with completion scheduled for 2014. The reorganisation will make Oslo “one of Europe’s most outstanding cultural cities”, says Oslo City Council chair Erling Lae".

This will be an interesting development to follow as cities continue to see their identity and attractor quality linked to the strength of their art and architecture.

Museums and Stadiums ARE our new cathedrals, and if the Oslo airport, strikingly made of wood, is any indication, I am sure we can expect more great things to come here!