The theatre's opening in 1909 was attended by King Haakon VII and Queen Maud.
Henrik Ibsen served as the theatre's first artistic director when it was originally founded in 1850.
The building's construction was partially funded by private donations and local fundraising efforts.
The façade is constructed from grey granite and decorated with relief sculptures of Norwegian playwrights.
The current building replaced an earlier wooden theatre structure that burned down.
The main auditorium features a ceiling mural painted by the artist Frøydis Haavardsholm.
The theatre maintains an in-house workshop for costume and set design production.
The venue's name, 'Den Nationale Scene', translates directly to 'The National Stage'.
Den Nationale Scene (The National Stage) is Norway's oldest permanent theatre, housed in an Art Nouveau building completed in 1909. Located in Bergen, it serves as one of the country's three national theatres alongside those in Oslo. The venue operates three distinct performance spaces: the main stage Store Scene, the mid-sized Teaterkjelleren, and the intimate Lille Scene. The original building was designed by architect Einar Oscar Schou following a design competition. During World War II, the theatre continued operations despite the German occupation, becoming a site of symbolic resistance. The interior features ornate decorative work and historically preserved foyer spaces. It hosts a repertory of classic plays, contemporary dramas, and musicals throughout the year. The building is officially designated as a protected cultural heritage site in Norway.
The grand staircase and chandelier in the main foyer.
Check the programme in advance to see if performances include English surtitles, as most plays are performed in Norwegian.
Arrive early to admire the Art Nouveau architecture in the main foyer before the performance begins.
Visit the theatre bar during intermission for views of the nearby park area.
Do not expect English-language performances for all productions; check language requirements for specific plays.
The theatre typically pauses main stage productions during the peak summer holiday season in July.
Business casual is standard for evening performances; phones must be silenced during shows.
