The Norwegian state is selling the Victoria terrasse complex in Oslo, a massive property that includes the former home of playwright Henrik Ibsen. Statsbygg, the government agency managing the sale for the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, estimates the property value at 1.5 billion, though the price can rise to three billion kroner. The sale occurs as the public institutions that have used the buildings since the previous century have now vacated.
Preserving Henrik Ibsen’s Historic Apartment
Henrik Ibsen lived in a 300-square-meter corner apartment in the Sydkvartalet section of Victoria terrasse from 1891 to 1895. According to Statsbygg special advisor Stig Petter Pettersen, the sales contract will include a specific clause requiring the new owner to ensure the apartment remains accessible to the general public.
Kåre Conradi, leader of Det norske Ibsenkompaniet, has used the apartment as a artistic base for rehearsing works like Byggmester Solness and Lille Eyolf. Conradi expressed concern to VG regarding the uncertainty of the new ownership, noting that it is currently unknown if Norwegian or foreign interests will win out.
Did you know? Ibsen’s corner apartment had nine rooms and was in the most expensive part of what at the end of the 19th century was the country’s largest and most prestigious apartment building complex, which was a hyper-modern housing complex with indoor plumbing and electric lighting.
Legal Protections and Riksantikvaren’s Role
The property was formally protected by Riksantikvaren on March 21, 2025. This protection covers the street facades, the 1963 addition toward Drammensveien, and parts of the interior, including three stairs and two basement cells in the basement.
Stig Petter Pettersen told VG that the reference to Riksantikvaren’s protection regulation and the date of its announcement in Norsk Lovtidend will be registered as an encumbrance on the property. After the sale, any physical changes or usage changes to Ibsen’s apartment will be a topic between the new owner and the heritage authorities.
Billion-Dollar Bidders and Development Plans
Four major buyer groups have publicly signaled interest in the complex. According to Estate Nyheter, these include: