Drammen rådhus

Drammen rådhus is the town hall of Drammen in Buskerud, Norway, standing on the square Bragernes torg. Finished in 1871, this red brick building is one of the best-known landmarks of the city centre and a good starting point for a walk around the area.

When and why was Drammen town hall built?

Construction was completed in 1871. The trigger was a fire in 1866 that destroyed Albumgården, the building the town council had been using. The town needed a new seat, and the answer was a prominent building on Bragernes torg, the main square of the Bragernes district.

Who designed it?

The architect was Niels Stockfleth Darre Eckhoff. He designed the building in an eclectic manner, popular in the second half of the 19th century, when architects freely combined motifs from different periods.

What does the building look like?

The town hall is built of red brick. Its style draws on the Renaissance and on medieval castles, which gives the building a slightly fortress-like character. The strong colour of the walls sets it apart from its surroundings and makes it easy to recognise from a distance.

What happened to the building in the 20th century?

It has not always served as a town hall. For a time it housed the main police station. Later, subsidence problems nearly led to its demolition. In 1966 a proposal to tear it down was put forward, but residents rejected it in a public vote, and the building survived.

A thorough restoration followed. According to the Norwegian local history wiki, the work was finished in time for the town's anniversary in 1986, while other sources give 1985 as the reopening date. In 1987 the building received the Europa Nostra award for conservation, a European distinction for heritage protection.

Is this the same building as the town hall cinema?

Do not confuse it with the neighbouring complex from the 1940s, which contains an administration building and a cinema. It was designed by other architects, including Reidar Winge Lund and the firm Pedersen & Lund with Arne Pedersen. It is a separate, newer structure beside the historic 1871 town hall.

Why visit?

• It is a clear example of 19th-century civic architecture in Norway.
• The story of its rescue from demolition shows how residents cared for their shared heritage.
• It stands on Bragernes torg in the heart of town, so it is easy to combine with a walk around the centre.
• The exterior can be admired at any time; for access to the interior, check with the municipality.

Frequently asked questions

When was Drammen town hall built? It was completed in 1871.

Who designed it? Niels Stockfleth Darre Eckhoff.

What is it made of? Red brick, in an eclectic style with Renaissance and medieval castle influences.

Was it ever threatened with demolition? Yes, in 1966 demolition was proposed, but residents rejected it in a vote.

Did it win an award? Yes, the Europa Nostra award for conservation in 1987.