The Oslo Opera House is one of the defining modern landmarks of the Norwegian capital. Opened in 2008 and designed by Snøhetta, it rises from the edge of the Oslofjord in Bjørvika with a sloping white-marble roof that visitors can walk across, giving the whole building the look of a glacier or iceberg emerging from the water. Its mix of stone, glass, oak, and aluminium has made it one of the most recognisable pieces of contemporary architecture in Scandinavia.
As a screen location, the Oslo Opera House has been used in 22 July, The Snowman, The Worst Person in the World and Tenet. All three productions are listed by the Norwegian Film Commission as having filmed at the site, though the building is used in very different ways depending on the film.
In Tenet, the Opera House roof is used in the scene where the Protagonist meets Neil and explains the scale of what they are up against. The broad white surface and open views across the harbour give the sequence a clean, futuristic feeling that fits the film’s cool and controlled visual style.
In The Snowman, the Opera House forms part of the film’s Oslo backdrop, helping place the story in the city’s newer waterfront districts. The building contributes to the film’s cold, polished urban atmosphere, contrasting with the darker and more disturbing elements of Harry Hole’s investigation.
In 22 July, the Opera House is one of the real Oslo locations used to ground the film in the city after the attacks. Here the building functions less as a dramatic set-piece and more as a recognisable modern landmark within the wider portrait of Oslo.
In The Worst Person in the World, the Oslo Opera House appears in the background during the scene where Julie and Eivind stand by a tree and kiss. Here the building is not used as a major set-piece, but as part of the emotional geography of Oslo itself. Its presence in the background helps anchor the moment in the city and adds to the film’s distinctly Oslo atmosphere, where recognisable urban spaces quietly become part of the characters’ intimate lives. The film is, of course, one of the key modern Oslo films, directed by Joachim Trier and released in 2021.
Tenet (2020)
The Worst Person in the World (2021)
Oslo Opera House (2024)
Tenet
Tenet was filmed across seven countries, with major scenes shot in Estonia, Italy, and Norway. Other key locations included India, Denmark, UK, and California.
Ministry of Defence
The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence in Oslo is the government ministry responsible for developing and implementing Norwegian security and defense policy.
Enerhaugen Cafe
In Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole (2026), Enerhaugen Cafe serves as the real-life location for Boxer Bar, the pub where police officers go for a beer after work.
Gamlebyen gravlund
In Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole (2026), Gamlebyen gravkapell in Gamlebyen gravlund is used for Ellen Gjelten’s funeral.
Oslo City Hall
Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset) is the administrative headquarters of the city council and municipal government in Oslo, Norway, inaugurated in 1950.
Cemetery of Our Saviour
Cemetery of Our Saviour appears in Sentimental Value, where it is used as a recognisable Oslo location.
Tjuvholmen
The 2020 Christopher Nolan film Tenet filmed key action scenes at Tjuvholmen, specifically around Olav Selvaags Plass and near the Thief Hotel.
Kampen Church
Kampen Church appears in Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole (2026), Olsenbanden for full musikk (1976), Mot i brøstet (1993–1997), and Hemmelighetene i B-by (1982–).
Restaurant Schrøder
Restaurant Schrøder appears in Jo Nesbø’s Detective Hole (2026) and The Snowman (2017). In both productions, the restaurant is used in by Harry Hole.
Lorry
Restaurant Lorry appears in Sentimental Value (2025). The restaurant is used as one of the film’s Oslo locations and forms part of its city setting.