Vigeland Park has an interesting history. In 1901 Gustav Vigeland made a fountain for Oslo, which was so popular with the town that it was purchased in 1904. They just had one problem…they couldn’t decide where to display it. It was put into storage until 1921, when the city made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. They would give him a home and studio for life if everything he produced was for the city.
In the park, Vigeland used 3 different materials. All the gates are made of wrought iron, the figures in the central area are bronze, and those in the far end are carved from granite. Highlight of the park is the Monolith, a 52 feet sculptured granite pillar, which is all one piece of granite. The park’s sculptures represent Man’s progress from the cradle to the grave. It is a work of Stone and Bronze art from the beginning to the end of the park.
First you encounter the bridge that has works of art from birth to death. You then arrive at the gardens and the fountains. The fountains are trees of life and are quite spectacular. Next up will be the Monolith, with it carvings of human limbs and finally you come to the Ring of Life at the end of the park.