Regjeringskvartalet

[1] The current site was originally occupied by a district, named Empirekvartalet for its numerous neoclassical buildings, constructed in Empire style.

After numerous attempts were made to finalise plans, the Empirekvartalet was finally razed in the early 1950s.

Following the damage, the decision was taken by the government to demolish and reconstruct the Regjeringskvartalet to meet updated standards for security, working space and environmental regulations.

[4] Norwegian artists Inger Sitter, Kai Fjell and Carl Nesjar, among others, also made works for the buildings.

When the government considered whether to demolish the buildings after the 2011 attacks, the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage expressed its fears that Picasso’s murals for two of them might be destroyed in the process.

Regjeringskvartalet seen from Johan Nygaardsvolds plass .
On the left: The Y-Block
On the right: "The highrise " (Høyblokken) .
Note: picture taken before the 2011 bombing .
Map of Regjeringskvartalet.
The Fisherman was removed in 2020, from the facade of "Building Y", or Y-blokka .