Our Wow portfolio is one of the hallmarks of our bespoke services at A2D. In our portfolio we bring together a global network of experts and specialists across a range of fields – all with the sole purpose of giving you insights and experiences you simply will not get anywhere else.
Below we set out our ‘Famous Norwegians’ Concept series: unique, spectacular experiences that will bring you closer to understanding some of Norway’s cultural icons.
Edvard Munch
Edvard Munch was a Norwegian painter, most famously known for his artwork ‘The Scream’. Born in Ådalsbruk, Munch grew up with a troubled childhood, eventually discovering art as a medium to express his inner states of mind.
In our Artist Concept for Munch, you will have various options for discovering the life and work of this extraordinary painter:
- Music performances inspired by Munch’s painting ‘The Sun’
- A private, expert-led tour of the Munch Museum
- A visit to Munch’s old studio at Ekely guided by an expert
- A guided tour of Munch’s house by the sea at Ramme Gård
- A guided tour of Petter Olsen’s gallery containing many works by Munch
- A visit to the home of Erik Poppe who is researching and producing a film about Munch
- Various debates, films or lectures on Munch with art historians like Nils Messel.
All of these experiences will be accompanied by a meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) in surroundings that are thematically linked to Munch.
Gustav Vigeland
Gustav Vigeland was a Norwegian sculptor and wood carver, perhaps best known for the world-famous Vigeland sculpture park in Oslo’s Frogner Park, which contains 200 of his works. Indeed, the city of Oslo has strong ties with Vigeland, having built a museum for him while he was alive, to operate as his studio, residence and his future museum.
In our Artist Concept for Vigeland, you will have various options for discovering his prolific life and work:
- A breakfast picnic in the Vigeland sculpture park followed by an expert-led tour of the park and its sculptures
- A guided tour of the Vigeland museum with an art historian
- A guided tour of Vigeland’s apartment, combined with lectures about the sculptor
- Lunch at the house Vigeland bough for his mistress
- A music concert at the Emanuel Vigeland Mausoleum
- Dinner at Oslo’s Grand Café, to examine a painting depicting many of Norway’s great artists, including Vigeland
Henrik Ibsen
Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright of international fame. He is often referred to as the father of modern drama, with some of his most famous works including ‘Hedda Gabler, ‘A Doll’s House’ and ‘Peer Gynt’.
In your Artist Concept for Ibsen you can visit the Grand Café in Oslo, which was Ibsen’s favourite restaurant and a famous haunt for many other Norwegian cultural icons. In the café you can see a painting that includes Ibsen and we can arrange for a meal next to it for a lengthier observation.
Your tour can also pass by The National Theatre, where you will see a statue of Ibsen and learn how he supported the establishment of the theatre. You can also visit his burial site and the Ibsen Museum, dedicated to the writer himself.
Fridtjof Nansen
Fridtjof Nansen was a Norwegian explorer, diplomat and scientist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1922 for his work to aid refugees in the aftermath of World War I.
As part of your Artist Concept for Nansen you can visit Polhøgda, the place Nansen worked and lived until his death. You can also take a special guided tour of the Nobel Peace Prize Centre in Oslo and meet with Nansen’s great-grandchildren and specialists on Nansen.
We can arrange for you to enjoy a musical concert by famous Norwegian opera singer Lise Davidsen, who will dress in the concert dress once worn by Nansen’s wife. And in homage to Nansen’s polar explorations, we can organise a special Nansen polar-themed dinner, complete with tents, dogs and raw whale meat marinated in seal oil!
If these ‘Famous Norwegians’ Concepts sound like a good gateway for you to appreciate Norway’s rich cultural heritage, then get in touch! We would love to create a bespoke itinerary for you to explore some of Norway’s great cultural icons.
