The central section of the National Gallery in Oslo stands as a testament to the architectural transition overseen by Adolf Schirmer, who assumed responsibility for the structure following a dispute involving his father. Schirmer operated within the Norwegian professional sphere for decades, shaping public infrastructure through roles in both private practice and government service until his death in 1930.
Early Training and Education
Born in 1850 in Christiania, Schirmer began his architectural education within his father Heinrich Ernst Schirmer's practice. He furthered his technical foundation at the Royal School of Drawing under the guidance of sculptor Julius Middelthun. His international experience included a brief residence in Germany in 1870, followed by a tenure with Georg Andreas Bull in Christiania between 1871 and 1872. He completed his formal studies at the Bauakademie in Berlin and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, graduating in 1874.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Professional Practice and Public Works
Schirmer managed an independent firm in Christiania until 1886. In 1887, he moved into the public sector upon his appointment as state building inspector, a role that tasked him with the management of state-owned properties. His portfolio includes the Trondhjems Sparebank building, completed in 1882, and Privatbanken i Trondhjem, finished in 1883. He also contributed to the design of the Customs House in Oslo in 1896 and components of the Ullevål University Hospital in 1886. His early work included a stabbur at Frognerseteren, which served as an early expression of national romanticism.
Institutional Contributions and Honours
Beyond his design work, Schirmer acted as a judge for various architectural competitions and maintained active involvement in the Norwegian Engineer and Architect Association. His contributions to the field were recognized through his appointment as a Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog in 1888 and a Knight of the Order of St. Olav in 1896. He died in 1930 in Bærum Municipality and is buried at the Old Aker Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1850, Christiania
- Died: 1930, Bærum Municipality
- Nationality: Norway
- Education: Bauakademie Berlin, École des Beaux-Arts Paris
- Known for: National Gallery central section
- Award: Knight of the Order of St. Olav (1896)
- Award: Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog (1888)
- Burial: Old Aker Cemetery
Questions readers ask
What was Adolf Schirmer's primary role in the development of the National Gallery?
He took over the design and construction of the New Renaissance central section after his father left the project due to a disagreement with the owner.
Which major public infrastructure projects did he oversee?
He designed the Customs House in Oslo, the Trondhjems Sparebank building, Privatbanken i Trondhjem, and parts of the Ullevål University Hospital.
Achievements
- Knight of the Order of St. Olav
- Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog
