National Museum at Vestbanen, Oslo, Norway

Officetwentyfive Architects

To design a “work of art” to exhibit works of art was the ambition and vision of Officetwentyfive Architects for the Norwegian Museum of Modern Art and Architecture. Their aim was to create a point of reference for the area of the port while approaching the site from a distance. The result is a building that stands out due to its unique shape, without making reference to any other building. The design provides a sense of originality and a fresh start.

The architects took an artful approach rather than a strictly architectural one. Their inspiration came from the view of icebergs from a distance, a picture that people in the Arctic Circle are familiar with and a stereotypical image of beauty in the Norwegian landscape. This design aims to capture that sense of beauty and uniqueness.

During their research for the building, the design team studied the course of Norwegian civilization over the centuries and concluded that the dominant element has always been the relationship with the sea. Norwegians have always been in close relation with the sea, and Oslo, the location of the museum, is by the sea. To emphasize this relationship, the architects designed an entrance to the museum that makes visitors dive into the water first and then emerge as they enter the areas of the collections. This symbolic baptism represents the essence of the Norse civilization: water.

The design team, consisting of Antonis Perpatidis, Thanasis Chrysomallis, Manolis Vourakis, Vasilis Nikolopoulos, Ariadni Parisi, Tania Tzima, and Nantia Stamou, worked together to bring this unique vision to life. Their goal was to create a museum that not only exhibits art but is also a work of art in itself.

The National Museum at Vestbanen, Oslo, Norway, designed by Officetwentyfive Architects, was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2011. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The museum's design is respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, and contributing to a better world.