The sum of two million kroner has been earmarked for the renovation of the Cavalier House at Oscarshall Summer Palace on Bygdøy. The gift is in line with the wishes of the Royal Palace to make the area more accessible to the public.

The Cavalier House, or “the little palace”, as it is also known, is located on the banks of the Frognerkilen bay and forms the bottom of the park at Oscarshall. The buildings, widely regarded as the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Norway, are among the nation’s most important manifestations of national romanticism. Oscarshall has been under public ownership since 1863 and is at the disposal of the Royal Family

On the Royal Couple’s wish list

“We are aware that the Palace has been wanting to develop the area around Oscarshall and the Cavalier House for some time. This lovely gift will also be for the common good. We’re looking forward to the Cavalier House becoming an attractive arena for culture and leisure activities, both for children and adults,” Marit Nybakk, First Vice President of the Storting, said.

Nybakk presented the gift to the Royal Couple on behalf of the Storting at the Royal Palace on Friday 15^th January.

For public enjoyment

The Storting’s gift will fund the construction of a stage and changing rooms. Sanitation facilities, public areas, and shelter from the sun and rain for both actors and audience will also be upgraded, while a removable open-air amphitheatre is to be constructed.

The Royal Couple has expressed a wish to improve public access to the Cavalier House, viewing it as a particularly suitable venue for such events as small theatre performances and chamber music concerts.

Due for completion in June

The Palace will carry out the project in the spring of 2016, with the plan being to start using the Cavalier House for such events from the summer onwards. A cultural event in the newly renovated pleasure palace will take place on 7^th June to mark the Storting’s gift and the completion of the project.