The Embassy Building

The Embassy building, or Chancery, is located at Oscars gate 29 in the district Homansbyen. Homansbyen is centrallysituated in Oslo, close to the Royal Palace. The German brothers Homan were the masterminds behind this district. Between 1858 and 1880 they designed and largely built Homansbyen. The Chancery was one of their projects. They built it from 1867-1868. Architect Wilhem von Hanno designed the building. He was also the first resident of Oscars gate 29. The style of the Chancery is Italian renaissance.

Throughout the years the villa was mainly occupied by well-to-do merchants. Under their supervision the villa had a number of renovations and additions. In 1883 a balcony terrace and extension were added. Later, in 1908, the facade was rebuilt once again.

The Dutch Government has the villa in use since 1944. The first years as a rental object. On 19 June 1952 the Dutch Government purchased the villa. Since then the villa accommodates the Dutch Embassy.

In 1996 the building was thoroughly renovated and modernized. This resulted in a new glass entrance foyer to satisfy new safety and security requirements. On 22 October 1997 the then Prime Minister Wim Kok festively opened the improved building.

The Embassy grounds and the Ambassadors residence enjoy immunity. This means that the Norwegian authorities can only enter either of them with the approval of the Ambassador. So, contrary to popular belief, they are not little bits of the Netherlands. They enjoy immunity, but are still Norwegian territory.

You will find more information (in Norwegian) on the Embassy district Homansbyen at: www.artemisia.no