Sentralen: Oslo’s premier hub for conferences, events, and culture

By Celina Tran

In the heart of Oslo’s city centre, a space is so welcoming and versatile that it’s hard to pinpoint exactly what it is. Sentralen might be best described as a multifunctioning event hub, but with its range of amenities, culinary experiences, and vast range of venues, even that might not do it justice.

While locals might say that nothing compares to their hometown, there’s truly nowhere quite like Norway’s capital, Oslo. With its views of the mountains and the fjord, it’s the perfect sneak peek at what the rest of the country holds, all while having its very own big-city charm.

Sentralen: Unforgettable nature, food and travel experiences in magical Senja Oslo’s premier hub for conferences, events and culture

Photo: Katrine Lunke

In Oslo, life moves both fast and slow, with endless opportunities for fun and creativity at every corner. While this is mostly good, it can also be distracting, and finding a good space to foster your creative energy and productivity might be overwhelming. However, a vibrant cultural and event centre has taken all the things we love about Oslo and collated them into one big, beautiful space. Since its establishment in 2016, Sentralen has become a cornerstone for a wide range of activities.

“Whether you’re planning a corporate conference, an artistic performance, or a community gathering, we offer an inspiring space that blends historical charm with modern amenities,” says Rikke Haakenstuen, head of marketing and communication at Sentralen. Best described as a multifunctional event hub, it offers a variety of spaces for rent, including event halls, stages, meeting rooms, a podcast studio, a streaming studio, a rooftop terrace, and rehearsal rooms.

Photo: Mikael Ortenheim

A modern space anchored in history

Sentralen occupies the former headquarters of Christiania Sparebank, a building with roots dating back to the mid-19th century. The main building at Øvre Slottsgate 3 was completed in 1854, with a subsequent expansion in 1901 that included the addition of the Tollbugata 30 building.

For as long as it has been around, the building has in one way or another functioned as a bank, DNB being the last one. In 2006, the Savings Bank Foundation DNB bought the building and began brainstorming of its potential future use. When the DNB bank relocated from the building in 2014, renovations were finally able to start. “It’s a beautiful, old building with so much potential, and eventually the concept of Sentralen was born. We finally opened our doors to the public in 2016,” says Haakenstuen.

The building underwent major renovation led by the two architectural firms, KIMA and Atelier Oslo, who wanted to preserve its original structure and charm. In some of the conference and meeting rooms, you can still find the original paint and interior details. The names of the different spaces are also references to the building’s history as a bank.

These days, Sentralen serves as an event hub, a meeting place, and just a great place to grab a snack and hang out with friends. “Our spaces cater to a diverse clientele, including the general public attending concerts, theatre performances and festivals, cultural producers renting venues for events, and businesses and organisations holding conferences and seminars,” she explains. “Our meeting rooms can be rented by the hour or for an entire day, with many clients choosing to book multiple rooms for larger events, such as conferences requiring breakout rooms.”

Photo: Katrine Lunke

A space for everyone

Sentralen is a safe and happy place for anyone who walks through the door. Whether you come to start your day with a meeting, grab lunch, or attend a cultural arrangement, it offers a vibrant atmosphere for all. “We’re committed to inclusivity and community engagement, which is why we offer generous rental arrangements for certain events that promote diversity and inclusion, as well as events aimed at children and youngsters up to 19 years,” says Haakenstuen.

As Sentralen is owned by the Savings Bank Foundation DNB, it also aligns its values with the foundation, further offering reduced rates to those promoting everything from arts and culture to society and cultural heritage. “Here at Sentralen, anyone can rent a hall and set up an event or show. From planning to producing and setting up, you have free reigns to make your very own event, whether it’s a private wedding, a work conference, or a theatre show. Once you know what you want, we provide the space, technology and technicians for your event,” says Haakenstuen.

This, along with the atmosphere and historical surroundings makes Sentralen a unique venue, a fun and accessible gem that cannot be found anywhere else in Oslo.