With the exception of the unsuccessful attempt of Martin Nürenbach in 1772, there was no public theatre in Oslo or anywhere in Norway prior to 1827.
He obtained a theater permit from the Danish crown, and founded the first dramatic school in 1825 in order to train the first group of native actors.
On 30 January 1827, the theatre was inaugurated with a performance of Strömberg's students, the pioneer group of Norwegian actors.
On 4 November 1827, Strömberg performed his play Fredsfesten in praise of the unpopular Swedish-Norwegian Union, which attracted great criticism.
On 22 June 1832, Strömberg sold the theatre to the director Carl Anton Saabye, after which it was renamed to Christiania Offentlige Theater.