Atlas Obscura · People & society

Oslo City Hall's Mocking Mural

Oslo City Hall, known for hosting the Nobel Peace Prize, features a monumental fresco on its second floor titled 'Det gror' by artist Willi Midelfart.

The fresco, created in 1937-8, depicts families enjoying summer life, inspired by Holmsbu and Edvard Munch.

Midelfart became furious when the architect added a second door to the banquet hall midway through his work, altering his composition.

In response, the artist subtly included a small boy in the mural pointing at the new door and sticking out his tongue.

Ironically, the architect's aesthetically added right door is not functional; it is bricked up behind the kitchen.

The mural now serves as a reminder of the artist's displeasure with the architectural change.

The city hall is open daily from 10:00 to 16:00, but closures for events and weddings can affect access to the second floor. Visitors should check the website before their visit.

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