Den Nationale Scene

Den Nationale Scene is the largest theatre in Bergen and one of the oldest permanent theatres in Norway. It stands on the Engen square in the city centre, and its story reaches back to the middle of the 19th century. It is a good stop for anyone curious about how Norwegian-language theatre took shape in Bergen.

What is Den Nationale Scene?

Often shortened to DNS, the theatre is an institution with a long tradition that still runs a regular repertoire on a large stage in Bergen. It is described as the city's biggest theatre, and in a national context it counts among the oldest permanent stages. That is why it is often listed among Bergen's key cultural landmarks, alongside its museums and concert halls.

How did the theatre begin?

The origins trace back to the violinist Ole Bull, who founded the theatre in 1850 under the name Det Norske Theater. The aim was to nurture Norwegian playwrights and to perform in Norwegian rather than Danish, which was common on stages of the time. The first home was a building known as the Komediehuset at Engen.

Ibsen and Bjørnson in Bergen

Two of the most important Norwegian dramatists of the era were tied to the theatre. Henrik Ibsen worked here from 1851 to 1857 as an instructor and artistic consultant, learning the craft from the inside before he became a famous author. Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson then led the theatre from 1857 to 1859. For literature lovers, this is one of the more meaningful addresses in the city.

A pause and a new name

Financial trouble forced the theatre to close in 1863. It returned after more than a decade: in 1876 it reopened and took the name Den Nationale Scene, which it still carries today.

The current building

In 1909 the theatre moved into a new building at Engen, designed by the architect Einar Oscar Schou. It opened on 19 February 1909 with a production of Ludvig Holberg's "Erasmus Montanus", a classic of Scandinavian comedy. In 2001 the building was restored to look almost as it did originally.

Getting there and what to know

The theatre is in central Bergen at Engen, a few minutes on foot from the main streets. The coordinates are roughly 60.3926 N, 5.3196 E. Check the theatre's website for the current programme, box office hours and ticket prices before you go, as most performances are in Norwegian.

Frequently asked questions

Is Den Nationale Scene the oldest theatre in Norway? It is not the only old theatre, but it is described as one of the oldest permanent theatres in the country and the largest in Bergen.

Who founded the theatre? The violinist Ole Bull, in 1850, as Det Norske Theater.

Did Henrik Ibsen really work here? Yes. He was the theatre's instructor and consultant from 1851 to 1857.

When did the current building open? On 19 February 1909, to a design by Einar Oscar Schou.

Is it worth visiting without speaking Norwegian? The building and its history are interesting even from the outside. For a performance, it helps to check in advance whether a show suits you, for example a musical production or one with translation, since most plays are in Norwegian.