Featuring numerous distinct monuments and plenty of wide open space, Rådhusplassen (“The City Hall Square”) is located directly in front of Oslo City Hall in Oslo, Norway. Providing the space with an identity that is connected to how women have defined the culture of the entire country, Rådhusplassen uniquely showcases what it can mean to see the ordinary transformed into an experience for audiences of all types.
Women’s Work, Roles and Relationships
Oslo City Hall has become one of the most notable buildings in the city since construction began in 1931. Although not completed until 1950, the Rådhusplassen was named in 1934 and would come to be defined by numerous distinctive monuments that celebrate the role of women throughout Norwegian culture.
The numerous fountains and monuments that are located across Rådhusplassen all celebrate women’s work, women’s roles and the relationships women have in different ways. Many of them depict female figures with children but others show them in the midst of tasks or fulfilling certain responsibilities, all of which showcase their impact on society. This theme is also connected to other works in Oslo City Hall, further highlighting the significance of the role of women on multiple levels.
The installation of the monuments that define the Rådhusplassen enabled the creation of other pieces, like the Statue of King Olav V, while also being connected to historical legacies like the nearby monument to Tordenskjold. By celebrating the role of women in such a distinctive manner, the monuments at Rådhusplassen showcase what it can mean to provide a space with an identity that enables connection across audiences, communities and entire cultures.
Women’s Work Celebrated
Providing an incredible view of the marina as well as the space to hold an event, spontaneous gathering or to simply relax, Rådhusplassen has been able to cultivate various experiences for all different types of audiences. By doing so in a way that celebrates the work and role of women, Rådhusplassen has been able to highlight what it means to define an identity that resonates with people in the present and future.
