King Harald and Queen Sonja of Norway have opened a new art museum in Oslo dedicated to a famous Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch.
The King and Queen were joined by Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit for the opening of the MUNCH Museum. The opening ceremony took place outside on Edvard Munch Square, where the King spoke, and the Queen cut the ceremonial ribbon.
His Majesty spoke of Edvard Munch during his remarks and how those across the globe feel a connection to his art. The King elaborated on Munch’s artistic side and his work, saying: “He belongs to all of us. We can see ourselves in our encounters with his trail-blazing works – our own light and dark sides. He strips away all that is unnecessary and hones in on the essence of human life: Love and angst. Joy and sorrow. Life and death.”
After Queen Sonja cut the inaugural ribbon, music by composer Koka Nikoladze was played before church bells across Oslo rang, and ships honked their horns in honour of the opening.
The royals were next welcomed inside the MUNCH Museum for a tour by director Stein Olav Henriksen. They were able to see some of Munch’s most famous works, including several versions of “The Scream” and “Madonna.”
Celebrations for the opening of the museum took place inside and outside the building for three days. Free tickets were handed out for the opening day on 22 October and the following two days.
MUNCH Museum is 13 storeys with 11 exhibition halls. There is a permanent exhibit of 200 of Munch’s works in the museum; other temporary exhibitions will be placed in the museum. In total, MUNCH contains over 26,000 of the artist’s pieces.
This museum replaces the original MUNCH Museum that was opened by King Olav in 1963.
Edvard Munch is a well-known Norwegian painter who is responsible for the iconic “The Scream” painting. He was born in 1863 in Loten, Norway and died in Oslo in 1944. He left many of his artworks to the city of Oslo upon his death.
