The Norwegian Skimuseet, a testament to the nation’s rich skiing heritage, is over a 100-years-old. Established in 1923 against the backdrop of the iconic Holmenkollen Ski Jump in Oslo, the institution has the unique privilege of being the world’s oldest ski museum. As it approached its centennial milestone, the museum found itself somewhat overshadowed by the grandeur of the refurbished ski jump, following its last upgrade in 2010.

To remedy this, the acclaimed Norwegian architectural studio and a global transdisciplinary practice Snøhetta, was tasked with the restoration of the museum. With projects like the Vulcan Beehives and the Powerhouse Telemark, Snohetta is known for creating spaces that are considerate towards humans and non-humans alike. Through creative intervention and intelligent use of materials, Snøhetta reimagined the Skimuseet for the next century of skiing enthusiasts.

The main focus of the project was the creation of a new extension and outdoor entrance that would not only enhance accessibility but also carve out a distinctive identity for the museum. The studio’s design approach revolved around juxtaposing the traditional charm of the museum excavated from rocks. The modern architecture elements introduced by the studio seamlessly blend the old and the new.

Snøhetta dismantled a third of the building underneath the ski jump structure, opened up the view, and established a new extension and entrance, rendering the building more inviting and accessible.

The striking façade, crafted using a captivating interplay of glass and Norwegian pine wood planks is one of the most prominent features of the renovation. Inspired by the rugged beauty of Norway's landscapes in Europe, and the traditional skigard fences, the façade seemingly serves as a signal, guiding visitors towards the museum's entrance. Composed using 1207 meticulously placed wooden pieces, it evokes a sense of warmth and invitation, standing in stark contrast to the ski jump's otherwise imposing concrete and steel structures. The ingenious use of wooden battens, arranged organically to be denser towards the northern side to filter the harsh sun, also gives the façade movement, creating a visually striking appearance inside and out.

The organic contours of the façade allow light to permeate both inwards and outwards, creating a truly dynamic interplay between the interior and exterior spaces. As daylight filters through the wooden battens, it casts intricate shadows on the slate floors within, visually and experientially blurring the boundaries between nature and architecture.

The ski jump's robust concrete pillars are now visible within the new extension. Serving as the main structure, glulam frames create a seamless transition between the existing concrete and slates and the newer, wooden elements, harmonising the two seamlessly.

Inside, the museum's interior is a harmonious blend of modern comfort and rustic charm. It is reminiscent of a cosy cabin nestled in the woods. The design, though < a href="https://www.stirworld.com/tags-minimalist">minimalist, has a richness of character. Furniture crafted from pine plywood and upholstered in Norwegian wool textiles pays homage to the nation's skiing traditions, with colours inspired by the vivid hues of red anoraks, green spruce forests, and pristine white snow.

A highlight of the interior is the café area, located directly beneath the ski jump. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the city below. Drawing inspiration from Norwegian architecture and the vibrant aesthetics of the 1952 Olympic Winter Games held in Oslo, the café's décor channels the spirit of a bygone era. Shades of blue and turquoise dominate the colour palette, evoking memories of a time when skiing was not just a sport but a cultural phenomenon.

As visitors traverse the museum's halls, they are transported on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of skiing from its ancient origins to the modern-day phenomenon it has become. Exhibitions showcasing the world's largest collection of skis and winter gear, along with insights into Norway's polar explorers, offer a comprehensive glimpse into the nation's skiing heritage.

In essence, the revitalised Norwegian Skimuseet in Oslo exemplifies the enduring legacy of skiing, celebrating a century of history while embracing the promise of a future filled with adventure and discovery. Snøhetta’s creative and innovative design has not just breathed new life into the museum architecture, but also serves as a source of delight and inspiration for visitors from around the world. It invites them to experience the magic of skiing in all its glory.

Project Details

Name: Skimuseet
Location: Oslo, Norway
Completion: 2023
Architects: Snøhetta
Consulting Engineer: Asplan Viak
Supplier, wooden construction and façade: Moelven
Executive, wooden facade and fixed interior: Hoff snekkerverksted
Glass façade: Glass365
Exhibition architect: SixSides