Vigelands

Vigelands refers to the Vigeland Installation, a large sculpture park in Frogner Park, Oslo, designed by Norwegian sculptor Gustav Vigeland (1869–1943). The installation contains more than 200 statues cast in bronze and carved in granite, along with wrought-iron elements, all conceived and arranged by Vigeland. The works explore themes of the human life cycle, family and social relationships, and the universal aspects of life and mortality.

Key components include the Monolith (Monolitten), a towering granite column adorned with a procession of human figures; the Wheel of Life (Livshjulet), a circular composition of figures that represents the cycle of life; and the Vigeland Fountain (Vigelandsfontenen) at the lower terrace, which features sculptural groups and animal motifs. The park’s layout follows a central axis that connects these monuments with surrounding gardens, bridges, and terraces, creating a cohesive viewing experience.

History and access: Vigeland worked on the project from the early 1920s through the 1940s; the park and installation opened to the public in 1940, with additions and refinements continuing after his death. Today the site is one of Oslo’s most visited cultural landmarks and is freely accessible to the public during opening hours.

Significance and management: The Vigeland Installation is part of Frogner Park and is maintained by the City of Oslo. It is regarded as a landmark example of public sculpture, notable for its scale, unity of vision, and representation of human life through a single artist’s oeuvre.