Iconic Grieg Hall in Bergen to become modern music quarter

Bergen's renowned Grieg Hall, an iconic nearly 50-year-old concert venue, is set to be transformed into the new Grieg Quarter - a revitalized music and cultural destination. The winning architectural design called "Kontrapunkt" by Henning Larsen Architects has been selected after an international competition.

The ambitious project envisions adding a new 1,000-seat music theater alongside renovations to the existing Grieg Hall. The theater will provide optimal acoustics and amenities, while the overall Grieg Quarter aims to create a vibrant urbanspace connected to Bergen’s musical heritage.

“Kontrapunkt’s design emerged as the best interaction with the existing Grieg Hall,” noted jury chair Anne-Grete Strøm-Erichsen. “The two buildings will complement each other brilliantly while respecting Grieg Hall’s iconic identity.”

The Grieg Quarter plans include new exhibition spaces, a rehearsal hall, cafe, and seamless indoor/outdoor connectivity to the city. It aspires to be an international-caliber arts destination unique to Bergen.

If approved, construction could begin in 2025 targeting a 2030/2031 opening after nearly 50 years since Grieg Hall’s debut sparked civic debates. The 1.2 billion NOK project has the ambition of transforming the heart of Bergen into a modern cultural hub.

The translation was written by an AI system, though the original text was authored by a human.