Farewell to the Nobel Field

When the Nobel Peace Center opened in 2005, the permanent exhibition Nobel Field was widely praised for its technological innovation and magical atmosphere. Since then, the space has welcomed numerous Nobel Peace Prize laureates and other distinguished guests, while enchanting millions of visitors. This week, the public has one final opportunity to experience the iconic installation. On 7 September, the Nobel Field will close to make way for an entirely new visitor experience.

“The fact that the Nobel Field has fascinated and delighted audiences for more than twenty years is proof of just how forward-looking it was. But the technology is now beginning to show its age, and while it is ready to be replaced, even more importantly, we are about to create a new iconic exhibition that will engage visitors for the next twenty years,” says Kjersti Fløgstad, Executive Director of the Nobel Peace Center.

A new, iconic experience

In autumn 2027, the Nobel Field will be replaced by a new exhibition dedicated to all Nobel Peace Prize laureates. In developing the new exhibition, the Nobel Peace Center has involved users, artists and academics, and conducted extensive research into what a modern museum should offer its audiences.

“We aim to create something as iconic and magical as the Nobel Field has been, but designed for the audiences of the future,” says Fløgstad.

A larger renewal

The renewal is part of a larger redevelopment of the Peace Center’s second floor. The changes will take place in two phases. This autumn, the space currently occupied by the Nobel Field will be transformed into an open and light-filled gallery, offering views of the City Hall Square and showcasing the original coffered ceiling of the historic West Railway Station building. From 12 December 2026, it will host the annual exhibition dedicated to the latest Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

“We are very excited to open the exhibition about this year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate in a completely new setting, with windows overlooking the City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony itself takes place,” says Fløgstad.

The museum remains open

During the redevelopment in autumn 2026, visitors will still be able to experience the exhibitions Paths to Peace and The Will to Change the World on the first floor, as well as the dialogue exhibition on the second floor, at half-price admission. From December 2026, the entire second floor will once again be open to the public, enabling the Center to present a full visitor experience throughout the building.

The final phase of the redevelopment will take place in autumn 2027, and from December 2027 visitors will be able to experience a new and unique exhibition telling the story of all Nobel Peace Prize laureates throughout history. This new permanent exhibition is made possible through the generous support of The Savings Bank Foundation DNB.