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Permanent Exhibition at the square

Narvesenkiosken – news spreader and meeting point

On May 10, 2017, Norsk Folkemuseum collected approx. 50 newspapers. At the same time we documented this day at the newsstand on the corner of Karl Johans gate and Rosenkrantz gate in Oslo. The results is presented at the “Narvesenkiosk” on the square at the museum.

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    At the Narvesen Kiosk at Karl Johans gate. Haakon Michael Harriss

The Narvesen kiosks have been an important element in Norwegian towns. They were well known for their architectural design, but were also a social meeting place. You went to the newsagents to get the latest news – about great events and the newest fashions, about literature, the theatre, technology and the economy. They were called “A Window to the World”. It was also a very popular place to work: “It felt like having a front row seat, watching life unfold in front of me.  Not only in regard to the travelers, but also life in general here at the station was of interest”, one kiosk lady said.

Many were regulars, and customers and shop assistants developed a personal relationship to each other. The shop assistant usually knew which newspapers the customer wanted. The kiosk was a place to drop by if you were waiting for a train or didn’t quite know what to do.

The Project is supported by Fritt Ord.

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