Norway has officially inaugurated its new National 22 July Memorial in Oslo, marking the 15th anniversary of the country’s deadliest terrorist attack since the Second World War. The memorial, titled Upholding, opened on 19 July 2026 in the capital’s newly rebuilt Government Quarter, just days before the anniversary commemorations on 22 July.
The memorial commemorates the 77 people murdered in the attacks carried out by far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik on 22 July 2011. Eight people were killed when a car bomb exploded outside the Government Quarter in Oslo, before the attacker travelled to the island of Utøya, where he killed 69 participants attending the Norwegian Labour Party’s youth camp, most of them teenagers. Created by acclaimed Norwegian artist Matias Faldbakken, Upholding was selected following an international competition organised by KORO (Public Art Norway). The monument consists of a monumental steel structure supporting a large mosaic depicting a small wading bird from Utøya reflected in the waters of Tyrifjorden, visually linking the two locations targeted during the attacks. The steel framework itself is based on the giant rig previously used to move Pablo Picasso’s famous mural The Fishermen from Oslo‘s demolished Y-Block government building, giving the work an additional historical connection to the events of 2011. The official opening ceremony was attended by Crown Prince Haakon, government ministers, representatives of the 22 July Support Group, members of the Workers’ Youth League (AUF) and survivors of the attacks. Norwegian authorities described the site as a permanent place for remembrance, reflection and learning, intended to honour those who lost their lives while reaffirming the country’s commitment to democracy and openness in the face of violent extremism. The project also represents the culmination of a long and often difficult process. Since 2012, several proposals for a national memorial were abandoned following public opposition, legal challenges and political debate. Faldbakken’s design emerged after a multi-year consultation involving survivors, victims’ relatives, artists, architects and cultural experts, aiming to create a memorial that balances artistic expression with public remembrance. Although the memorial has been widely welcomed, it has also generated discussion within Norway‘s cultural community. Some critics argue that its restrained symbolism does not explicitly address the ideological motivations behind the attacks, while supporters believe its quiet, contemplative design allows visitors to reflect on the tragedy without imposing a single interpretation. The debate highlights the continuing challenge of commemorating one of the most painful chapters in Norway‘s modern history. As Norway marks fifteen years since the attacks, Upholding stands not only as a tribute to the victims, survivors, first responders and volunteers, but also as a reminder of the importance of defending democratic values against hatred and extremism.
Suggested Online Sources
Official Norwegian Government
KORO.no (Public Art Norway)
22 July Centre
Artnet News
Anleggsprosjektet er ferdig
