The Neoclassical Beauty of Norway’s Royal Palace

Larger than life: Art that inspires us through the ages

The Royal Palace of Oslo stands tall at the head of the palace’s square. The neoclassical three-story building presents a simple U shape, with two wings, a flat roof, and a façade with stuccoed bricks. A row of six pillars decorates the temple front in a clear reference to classical revival. Oivind Moller Bakken/The Royal Court

Located in the center of Norway’s capital, the Royal Palace of Oslo is a symbol of Norwegian history that embodies neoclassical architectural beauty.

In 1824, King Carl III Johan of Norway commissioned architect Hans Linstow to build a palace in the neoclassical style. Originally, the Danish architect designed a two-story building with projecting wings on both sides of the main façade. This design was too expensive, and Linstow removed the projecting wings and added a third story instead. The palace was completed in 1849.