During my trip to Oslo, I was amazed by Vigeland Park. It is one of the most visited sites in Norway and the largest sculptures park in the world. Located inside Oslo's Frognerparken, it really is one of a kind.
Vigeland Park: The world's largest sculpture park
The statues are all made by a single sculptor, Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943). More than 200 sculptures in bronze, granite and iron. The first thing people notice is that all of them are naked. Vigeland said: "It is only when you put clothes on people, that religion and origin are identified. When you are naked you can be anyone, anywhere and at any time."
The statues are so accurate. From expressions to muscles. All ages are represented, in fact, the main theme is the circle of life. Timeless works where we can all identify, just as the author wanted.
When you stand there, the feeling is to be surrounded by so much humanity, by sensations, by emotions. At one point you feel so much that those statues no longer look like works but people.
The Park covers an area of about 320 hectares and can be divided into 5 parts:
- The main gate in wrought iron and bronze bas-relief.
- The granite bridge on whose shores 58 life-size bronze statues are mounted. Men, women, children. Represented in groups or individually. The Sinnataggen (the furious child) is the most famous statue, which has become one of the symbols of Oslo. Further down there is a children's play area.
- The bronze fountain. From the centre of the square basin, six men support a large basin from which the fountain water flows.
- The monolith's terrace which houses a 17-meter high column showing 121 intertwined human figures. The column is called monolith because it was carved in a single piece of granite.
- The wheel of life. Seven human figures, 4 adults and 3 children, intertwine and form a circle. This work completely expresses the theme of the park, the life cycle from birth to death.
How to get to Vigeland Park
Vigeland Park can be easily reached by bus, tram and underground.
Tram or bus stop: Vigelands Park
Metro stop: Majorstuen. Continue along Kirkeveien and in 10 minutes walk you arrive at Vigeland Park.
