After more than fifty years in borrowed premises, and almost a further five years of construction work, the Storting could finally move into its own building in 1866. Its completion laid to rest years of debate about location and design. The new building in Karl Johans gate, along with the recently erected Palace and University, helped to create a new centre in the capital.

Emil Victor Langlet, a Swede, was the architect behind this iconic building. His design was intended to symbolize democracy, with nine arched entrances inviting the people in from all sides.

In the years since 1866, the Storting building has undergone a number of changes and modernizations. One of the most major projects was completed on 5^th March 1956, when architect Nils Holter’s modern office block facing Akersgata was opened. Otherwise, the remainder of the façade has changed little since the building was new.

In the heart of the city

The Storting has marked the building’s 160^th anniversary by mounting a photographic exhibition in Eidsvolls plass.

In his speech to open the exhibition, President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani said that the Storting building had been at the centre of Norwegian politics for 160 years.

“The Norwegian people have influenced the Storting, and the Storting has influenced the people. This is a point we’d like to make in the exhibition,” he added.

The first sitting in 1866

On 5^th March 1866, the Members of Parliament marked the move by walking in procession from the old premises in Dronningens gate to the new building in Karl Johans gate. The public gallery was full to the rafters with curious spectators. The Government, the Supreme Court, and the capital’s most senior public officials took their places in the galleries in the Storting Chamber. That evening, the occasion was celebrated with turtle soup in the Hotel du Nord.

Click here to see the photos on display in the exhibition

Click here for a virtual guided tour of the Storting building