For a detailed look at the Nobel Peace Prize, the prize laureates and their work, the Nobel Peace Centre (Nobel Fredssenter) in Oslo is definitely worth a visit. Opened in 2005 by HRH King Harald, the centre has since played host to 500,000 visitors. The Centre is financed by the Norwegian Misitry of Culture, private sponsors and entrance fees. The architecture was designed by British architect David Adjaye, and the technology installations by American designer David Small. Here you can find out about the story of Alfred Nobel and the Nobel Peace Prize laureates through interactive technology and exhibitions.
Photo: Sara Johannessen / Nobel Peace Center
Laureates since 1901 have included some of the most notable people in history – from Mother Teresa to Nelson Mandela. My personal favourite section of the Centre was the Nobel Field, found on the second floor. This visually wonderful room features an interactive screen of every laureate, displayed in a multi coloured ‘field’. The screens are filled with information, pictures, sound and video clips, making for a really interesting exhibition. I could have spent many hours in this room alone!
Photo: Sara Johannessen / Nobel Peace Center
Photo www.nobelpeacecenter.org
The other permanent exhibition is about Alfred Nobel’s life, and the Centre also hosts temporary exhibitions. We happened to be there for the opening day of a temporary exhibition about the story of Liu Xiaobo, imprisioned defender of peace and human rights in China. You can find out more about this and other previous exhibitions here
I found the Centre a really fascinating insight into The Nobel Prize for Peace and was interested to learn a lot more about previous laureates who I hadn’t heard of or had forgotten about. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon in Oslo, and a great way to find out about the Peace Prize, which is awarded by the Norwegian Nobel Committee as specified in Alfred Nobel’s will. I would recommend a visit.
Current exhibitions are ‘Eye on Gandhi’, ‘Sheroes’, and ‘Mother Democracy’.
Cost: 80kr for adults, 55kr concessions, under 16s free
Opening times: Tues-Sun 10:00 – 18:00
During exhibition changes, tickets are half price. The Centre also has some free entry days, check the website for details.
