A masterpiece of Scandinavian eco-architecture, one of the most beautiful buildings of the North, a fine example of high art available to a wide audience, all these words and many others refer to the Nordic House. The idea of its creation belongs to the Nordic Council of Ministers, it is aimed to support and promote the Nordic culture. The international design contest in 1977, which 158 architects of all the Northern countries took part in, resulted in two winner projects. However, the culture centre was built by only one of them – the project by a Norwegian architect, Ola Steen.

The building was constructed in 1983 on the territory of Vidarlunn park. It reminds of a dragon outside and can refer to the period of Norwegian postmodernism. This style doesn’t relate to any specific epoch, antiquity, middle age, or any other. It is much more connected with the ethnic culture and using exclusively local building materials. The metal structure is standing on the base made from rock stones, and the roof with its area of more than 2000 square meters is covered with Icelandic peat sheeting. Materials for inside furnishing weren’t an exception as well. The wooden table is made of Swedish pine, the ceilings are made of Danish ash tree, and all the doors and furniture are made of Finnish birch. The play of light and shadow on the surface of materials different in texture plays an important role in the attractiveness of the unusual building.

The initial skepticism of the locals towards the design and the utility of the building shifted to pride. The capability to host about 400 events for 120000 people annually ultimately dispersed all the fears concerning the elitism of the building.

Today, the Nordic House is a perfectly equipped conference hall for 550 people and also a theatre, a concert and exhibition hall, a café and souvenir shops. But first of all, it is the main platform on the Faroe Islands to hold a great number of different annual festivals, such as European jazz festivals, literature, children’s, theatre, and cinema festivals.