About Gamle Logen

Gamle Logen was originally built as a Masonic lodge and a banquet and concert hall in 1836.The idea and initiative came from Count Wedel Jarlsberg. The inauguration took place in 1839, and was celebrated with a ball attended by guests of honour King Carl Johan and Crown Prince Oscar. This laid the foundation for many festive events and traditions for which Gamle Logen later became renowned.

The Norwegian Parliament (Storting) celebrated 50 years´of union with Sweden on these premises, and King Haakon VII celebrated his 25th anniversary as King of Norway here.




Gamle Logen´s main hall, decorated in late-Empire style and world famous for the quality of its acoustics, was officially opened in 1844 with a concert given by the famous Norwegian violinist Ole Bull.

Gamle Logen has played a major role in the development of Norway´s cultural life. Norwegian artists of both national and international fame have performed here, such as Edvard Grieg, Henrik Ibsen, Ole Bull, Johan Svendsen, Halfdan Kierulf, Henrik Wergeland and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. International artists of world renown, such as Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller, Duke Ellington and Josephine Baker, to mention but a few, have also performed at Gamle Logen.

Following years of neglect and decay, Gamle Logen underwent a complete restoration and reopened in 1988. Every effort has been made to preserve and restore its historic elegance and atmosphere. And, with 50.000 visitors a year, Gamle Logen has again regained a prominent position as an important centre for cultural events, concerts, conferences, balls and banquets.

Gamle Logen welcomes you to our warm and hospitable premises with individual service set in an atmosphere of historic wealth and rich traditions.