Oslo-the statues of Vigeland Park

My top bucket list item for Oslo is the Vigeland sculpture garden. Gustov Vigeland (1869-1943) was a sculptor inspired by Rodin. This park of 80 acres was the product of a deal he made with the city-in return for a great studio and state support, he spent his creative life creating and beautifying this park. For the next 15 years he designed 192 bronze and granite statue groupings. All are nude, because he wanted them to remain timeless...clothes become outdated, bodies don’t!

The statues reflect all emotions, all experiences of life. 

I was in a bit of a cock-eyed mood when we arrived, as George and I just had one of those echanges that always leave me feeling pretty alienated and sad and insecure. So, naturally I gravitated toward those that reflected my emotions. Here are those, plus others that I simply thought beautiful. 

I was quite moved by these sculptures. They somehow validated all the emotions I was feeling, and helped me to realize it’s all part of the common human drama. I believe this park belongs among the great art sights in Europe! 

Here’s a view entering the park. I felt shy taking pics of nudes...so silly!

Here’s looking back on the bronzes, the granite is behind where I took this picture from. 

Here’s looking back at the granite sculptures. So magnificent!


This garden so impressed me that somehow I want this post to be completely on it’s own.