The renovation of the National Theatre in Oslo, which was originally built in 1899, will take a minimum of ten years before it can reopen its doors to the public. This information comes from Statsbygg, the government agency responsible for the project. The Norwegian government has decided to completely rehabilitate the dilapidated building, which is essential for maintaining the cultural heritage of the area. In the meantime, a temporary main stage will be set up to ensure that theatre operations can continue during the reconstruction phase, which is expected to take at least four years.

Starting Monday, Statsbygg has begun searching for suitable land to accommodate both the temporary main stage and permanent secondary venues. Project owner Ane Kvamshagen has encouraged both private and public property owners to submit any proposals for sites they believe could be appropriate. The site must be a minimum of 5000 square meters and located near a public transport hub within the Ring 3 area of Oslo, and they anticipate needing access to the property sometime between March 1, 2029, and March 1, 2031.

This announcement marks an important step in the preservation and enhancement of Oslo's cultural institutions, reaffirming the government's commitment to investing in the arts and theatre sector. As the search for properties continues, the project holds significant implications for the local community and its ongoing cultural vibrancy, promising to transform the National Theatre into a modern venue while preserving its historical significance.