Heinrich Ernst Schirmer (1814–1887) was one of the most significant architects of 19^th century Norway. He designed churches, prisons, schools, stations, hospitals and houses all over the country, including Norway’s first penitentiary, the first mental hospital, and the first public museum; The National Gallery in Oslo. The poet J.S. Welhaven described Schirmer as “our best architect”, and his buildings shaped modern Norway in decisive ways.

This first in-depth study of Schirmer and his architecture places him, by means of a rich archival material, in the midst of the 19^th century’s cultural and political debates. Schirmer was the cosmopolitans’ architect. His oeuvre brings to light forgotten nuances of historicism and reminds us that the 19^th century, for all its love for the nation, was a cosmopolitan century.

The monograph is launched on Schirmer’s 200th anniversary in one of his main buildings: Christiania Penitentiary (now Oslo Fengsel avdeling A), on August 27^th, 1-3 pm. Presentations by Rune Slagstad, Espen Søbye, and Mari Hvattum. Registration required. For information and registration, contact Marianne Bjørndal at bjorndal@pax.no.