The 'Tiger City' nickname originated from a poem by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, where he described a dramatic struggle between a tiger and a horse.
The sculpture weighs approximately 800 kilograms.
Despite being made of bronze, the statue features a weathered, dark patina resulting from decades of exposure to Oslo's coastal climate.
It is the only permanent bronze tiger sculpture of this scale in central Oslo.
The sculpture was designed to be interactive, encouraging passersby to walk around and touch the bronze surface.
The Tiger is a 4.5-meter-long bronze sculpture located on Jernbanetorget square in front of Oslo Central Station. It was created by the Norwegian sculptor Elena Engelsen and commissioned by the Eiendomsspar real estate company. The sculpture was unveiled in 2000 as a gift to the city to commemorate Oslo's 1000th anniversary. It serves as a symbolic guardian of the city, referencing the nickname 'The Tiger City' attributed to Norwegian poet Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson. The bronze tiger is mounted directly onto the pavement without a plinth, allowing visitors to stand beside or touch the statue. It has become one of the most prominent public art installations in the capital. The sculpture is frequently used as a central meeting point for both residents and tourists.
From the side profile to capture both the sculpture and the backdrop of the busy plaza.
Visit during the early morning hours to photograph the statue without crowds of commuters.
Take time to notice the intricate texture of the fur casting, which is often missed when rushing past.
Since it is located in a high-traffic area, keep your belongings secure while taking photographs.
Do not expect a quiet, secluded viewing experience; this is one of the busiest pedestrian junctions in Norway.
