Groundbreaking ceremony at Kloden theatre – a greeting to the future was built into the new theatre building

July 3, 2026

It was a great day for Kloden theatre when the foundation stone of the new national theatre house for children and youth was laid in Kabelgata in Oslo on Wednesday, June 24. Around 150 invited guests filled the construction site, which was surrounded by excavators, construction cranes and raw concrete, and under captivating band music from the Løren and Refstad school music band, we marked the start of what will become one of Norway's most important cultural buildings for children and youth.

The ceremony opened with a beautiful poetry reading by local poet Hodan Beegsi, after which an engaged and happy Artistic Director Ådne Sekkelsten gave a personal speech that described the theater as an investment in the audience of the future and a place where children and young people will experience performing arts of the highest quality for generations to come.

The owner of Oxer Eiendom, Ellen Karlsen Raaholt, also highlighted Kabelgata as one of the company's most visionary development projects, and emphasized the importance of the close collaboration with Kloden theater to realize the area as a vibrant cultural and urban space.

This was followed by both Cultural Affairs Minister Mehmet Kaan Inan and Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery, both of whom highlighted Kloden theatre as a national stage and an important boost for Oslo's art and cultural life. Jaffery particularly highlighted the theatre's work to include children and young people in the neighbourhood, describing it as part of society's collective preparedness. She also thanked Artistic Director Ådne Sekkelsten for the perseverance and commitment that has brought the project to this day.

One of the most moving moments came when children from Ulven kindergarten placed their own drawings in a time capsule, along with a letter to the future written by performing artist Mine Nilay Yalcin. Then the Minister of Culture lowered the foundation stone in place, a quiet, beautiful moment that summed up everything the day was about: that a building can also be a carrier of stories, imagination and community.

When Kloden When the theatre opens in 2027, the building will house stages, rehearsal rooms, workshops and meeting places for performing arts for children and young people from all over the country. The foundation stone that has now been laid therefore marks not only the start of a building, but also a long-term belief that art and culture should have a natural and central place in the society of the future.

The event featured DJ Beatur, a dance battle by Soul Sessions, and food and drinks from Jamal's Falafel and Líf Laga.

Thank you to all guests and contributors who helped make the groundbreaking ceremony a strong and memorable celebration.