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The Opening of the Nansen Room
The Fridtjof Nansen Institute has, since its establishment in 1958, played a radier special dual role. On the one hand the Institute carries a unique cultural heritage, being housed at Polhøgda, the last home of Fridtjof Nansen, at Lysaker on the outskirts of Oslo. Though the mansion is a historical monument, the statutes of the Institute clearly state that it is to be used actively for purposes linked to the life and work of Fridtjof Nansen. This is realized through research projects chosen to fulfil these criteria while preserving their topical relevance.
Nevertheless, the custodians of this historical building have long felt the need to fulfil their responsibility to the public at large. The museological obligations have already been taken care of to a certain extent. While parts of the house have been modified to suit the needs of those who work there daily, Nansen's study has been preserved just as it was the day he died in 1930, and the entrance hall, the reception hall, his library-chartroom as well as the dining room with the famous Werenskiold frescoes, are unaltered. This, however, seemed inadequate. There was the need for more of a concrete nature to display to school groups and others. A number of articles around the house needed a more suitable framework.
Thus a spare room in the basement of the building was designated as a museum. The architect Amund Gulden was given the task of refurbishing the room and started his work last year. He has done an admirable job, not only on the drawing board but in the actual execution, where he was assisted by Kathrine Austlid.
However, the modest scale of the museum must be made quite clear. It is no more than a small basement room just by the central heating furnace, with drainpipes in the ceiling. One of the architect's main challenges was to remove the impression of the actual smallness of the room, while creating a dignified backdrop for experiencing Fridtjof Nansen the man. And he has succeeded. The room has emerged as an exceptional piece of interior architecture.
Entering the Nansen Room gives the feeling of entering another world. The skyblue ceiling, which gives ample room for thought, contrasts...