The Sheik of Araby

Yesterday, Trav and I went on a guided tour of Norwegian Parliament. In Norway, parliament is known as Storting.  Our tour guide is an art historian, so some of the tour focused on art throughout the building. It was a great opportunity for us to better understand the way government works in Norway.

Construction on the Storting building began in 1860 and was formally opened on March 5, 1866.

The Storting lions were carved by two convicts from the prison at Akershus Fortress. Both prisoners were set free and one immigrated with his family to America where he became a pioneer settler on the prairies.

This is a copy of the Norwegian Constitution. It was signed on May 17, 1814 and was a product of the Eidsvoll Convention. The Norwegian constitution expresses ideals similar to the American Declaration of Independence and Constitution as well as the French constitutions.

This tapestry hangs in the Central Hall where the press interviews members of parliament and is a popular meeting place within the building.

This is the Eidsvoll Gallery. It was once used as a reading and smoking room and later as a reception room.

The room has been named after the 18 members of the Eidsvoll Convention whose pictures line its walls.

The Storting Chamber. Every four years, 169 members are elected to the Storting.

The painting in the chamber portrays a scene from the Eidsvoll Convention of 1814.

Travis enjoyed learning about Norwegian government.

Members are seated by their electoral district, rather than by political party (as it is in the US).

The view from the Storting Chamber. The building is located in clear view of the Royal Palace, with the National Theater in between the two.

This was the strangest piece of art we were shown. It represented the transition of Norway from an agricultural to industrial society. Our tour guide also mentioned the partnership/welcoming of African farmers (huh?) which made absolutely no sense to either of us.

I'm not sure what else Travis and I will be up to during my last week (or so) in Oslo. I want to get out skiing, but I've been feeling pretty crummy the last few days. I suppose I should probably spend some time packing, but there isn't a whole lot else I feel like I have to do before I leave.