The Norwegian Parliament celebrates 150 years in own building

OSLO.Parliament building was opened on 5 March 1866. Photol: Heiko Junge / NTB scanpix
Stortinget, the Norwegian Parliament had to wait over half a century to move into in its own building. On Thursday the building will celebrate its 150 years anniversary.
– By celebrating the building, we  also celebrate what is taking place inside, said parliamentary president Olemic Thommessen.
An official ceremony in the White hall will be the springboard for the anniversary, both for the representatives and other invited guests who will be present.
– It will become a festive occasion, according to Thommessen, who says violinist Ragnhild Hemsing will play pieces by Edvard Grieg, and actress Kim Haugen will perform  the prologue  Henrik Ibsen wrote in connection with the foundation stone laying ceremony in 1881. The highlights will be transmitted on TV.
 On Thursday a magnificent book about the parliamentary building, written by architect Peter Butenschøn, will also be released. A program has also been put together for  the spring season that includes exhibitions, seminars and city walks, and on 9th of May school groups are invited to a  party especially for them and and Stortinget will then also open its doors to the public.
Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today