Den Nationale Scene (The National Scene), Bergen
The National Scene (Den Nationale Scene), situated in Bergen, stands as the largest theatre in the city and one of the oldest permanent theatres in Norway. Established in 1850 through the efforts of Norwegian violinist Ole Bull, the theatre originally operated under the name the Norwegian Theatre. Its foundation aimed to support the evolution of Norwegian theatre and playwrights, featuring prominent figures such as Henrik Ibsen, who was one of its first writers-in-residence and art directors. Notably, Ibsen's pioneering contemporary realist drama, "The Pillars of Society," premiered nationally at this venue on November 30, 1877.
Initially located in the Comedy House at Engen, the theatre relocated in 1909 to a new Art Nouveau building at Engen, designed by the Norwegian architect Einar Oscar Schou. The opening, celebrated with a production of Ludvig Holberg's "Erasmus Montanus," was graced by the presence of King Haakon VII and Queen Maud of Norway. Despite its grandeur, the building soon required expansion, which was realized in 1920.
The 1930s marked a particularly productive era for the theatre until disruptions caused by World War II led to the partial destruction of the foyer and hall. These areas were only partially restored initially, and it was not until 2001 that the building nearly regained its full pre-war structure. Today, the theatre boasts three stages and hosts around 20 productions annually, ranging from national and international classics to contemporary drama and children's shows.
Since 1993, the National Scene has been designated as state property, underlining its significant cultural and historical importance to Norway. This institution continues to play a pivotal role in the Norwegian art scene, celebrating both its storied past and dynamic present.
Initially located in the Comedy House at Engen, the theatre relocated in 1909 to a new Art Nouveau building at Engen, designed by the Norwegian architect Einar Oscar Schou. The opening, celebrated with a production of Ludvig Holberg's "Erasmus Montanus," was graced by the presence of King Haakon VII and Queen Maud of Norway. Despite its grandeur, the building soon required expansion, which was realized in 1920.
The 1930s marked a particularly productive era for the theatre until disruptions caused by World War II led to the partial destruction of the foyer and hall. These areas were only partially restored initially, and it was not until 2001 that the building nearly regained its full pre-war structure. Today, the theatre boasts three stages and hosts around 20 productions annually, ranging from national and international classics to contemporary drama and children's shows.
Since 1993, the National Scene has been designated as state property, underlining its significant cultural and historical importance to Norway. This institution continues to play a pivotal role in the Norwegian art scene, celebrating both its storied past and dynamic present.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bergen. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Den Nationale Scene (The National Scene) on Map
Sight Name: Den Nationale Scene (The National Scene)
Sight Location: Bergen, Norway (See walking tours in Bergen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bergen, Norway (See walking tours in Bergen)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bergen, Norway
Create Your Own Walk in Bergen
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bergen is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bergen Shopping Tour
For centuries, since its establishment in the 1020s, Bergen has been an important commercial hub. As such, it is probably one of the oldest shopping destinations in Northern Europe. Today, Bergen features a variety of shops and markets scattered throughout the city.
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
One such notable location is Kjottbasaren, a historic market located near the city center. Here, visitors can explore a variety... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.9 Km or 0.6 Miles
Bergen Introduction Walking Tour
It is a wonder Bergen has had so many fires in its history, considering it has averaged 200 days a year of rain. So, why the fires?
Flames leapt across the narrow streets. The compact wooden buildings were easy prey. In 1702 90% of the city was destroyed. Disasters continued through the years. Finally, in 1916, a new idea in prevention emerged. The way to stop a fire was to starve it.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Flames leapt across the narrow streets. The compact wooden buildings were easy prey. In 1702 90% of the city was destroyed. Disasters continued through the years. Finally, in 1916, a new idea in prevention emerged. The way to stop a fire was to starve it.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Bergen's Architectural Jewels
Surprising as it may appear, but the seemingly small city of Bergen for centuries had been the largest in all of the Nordic countries. It also remained so for Norway until the 1830s. Apart from being the country's former capital (back in the 13th century), Bergen is well-known primarily for its astoundingly beautiful cityscape, formed by the backdrop of mountains and serene waterfront, much... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles