TheNobel Peace Center (Norwegian:Nobels Fredssenter) inOslo, Norway, is a showcase for theNobel Peace Prize and the ideals it represents. The center is also an arena where culture and politics merge to promote involvement, debate and reflection around topics such as war, peace and conflict resolution.[1] The center is located in Oslo, Norway at theCity Hall Square (Rådhusplassen).[2]
The Nobel Peace Center was opened in 2005 by His Majesty KingHarald V of Norway in a ceremony attended by the royal families of Norway and Canada. Nobel Peace Prize laureateWangari Maathai was also present. The Center welcomes app 250.000 visitors per year and is one of Norway's most visited museums. The Nobel Peace Center is located in the formerOslo Vestbanestasjon (Oslo West railway station) building. Dating from 1872, the former station building was drawn by architectGeorg Andreas Bull (1829–1917). It ceased to be used as a railway station in 1989. It is overlooking the harbor and located close to theOslo City Hall where theNobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony takes place every 10 December, to commemorate Alfred Nobel's death.[3][4]
British architectDavid Adjaye is responsible for the center's creative design, including its color schemes; the American designer David Small developed its hi-tech installations. The Nobel Peace Center is financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture, private sponsors and admission fees. Temporary exhibitions are fully sponsored.[5]
The Center presents the Nobel Peace Prize laureates and their work, in addition to telling the story ofAlfred Nobel and the other Nobel prizes. This is done using multimedia and interactive technology, exhibitions, meetings, debates, theater, concerts and conferences, as well as a broad educational program and regular guided tours.[6]
The Nobel Peace Center is a foundation and part of a network of Nobel institutions represented externally by theNobel Foundation, which also administers informational activities and arrangements surrounding the presentation of the Nobel Prize. Kjersti Fløgstad is director of the Nobel Peace Center. Olav Njølstad is chairman of the center's board, which is appointed by theNorwegian Nobel Committee.
59°54′41.34″N10°43′49.73″E / 59.9114833°N 10.7304806°E /59.9114833; 10.7304806
