Peace in Oslo

Main Hall

Murals

Exterior Wood Carving

Oslo also has a connection to Alfred Nobel and the Nobel Prize.  Of the six Nobel Prizes awarded each year, five are awarded in Stockholm.  The Peace Prize is actually awarded in Oslo.  This is due to the terms of Alfred Nobel's will in establishing the prizes. The Peace Prize is determined by a committee of Norwegians and the other five prizes are determined by a committee of Swedes.  No explanation was given as to why he chose this process.

The Peace Prize ceremony is held in the main hall in Oslo's City Hall.  We took the short tour and learned about the building and the ceremony.  The main hall holds some 300 events a year in addition to the Nobel ceremony and is covered in murals from floor to ceiling.  Numerous Norwegian artists contributed to both the interior and exterior artwork.  A number of detailed wood carvings adorn the exterior walls.

The Nobel Peace Center is a small museum located across the square from City Hall dedicated specifically to the Peace Prize. The Nobel Prize museum in Stockholm is a much better museum, but it was ok for a quick visit.