Estate Management

The Section carries out the many different tasks involved in running the Royal Palace, the main building at the Bygdø Royal Farm and the summer palace Oscarshall, in addition to the private estates of the King and Queen. The Section is responsible for the management and maintenance of the buildings and their furnishings. 

Craftmanship

The unique cultural heritage of the various estates requires careful renovation and maintenance using traditional craftsmanship techniques and materials. Historical material such as blueprints and photographs is consulted closely before new architectural solutions are implemented, with all activities conducted in close cooperation with the Directorate for Cultural Heritage.

The Section’s has its own craftsmen, cabinetmakers and furniture upholsterers who carry out restoration and maintenance of antique furniture and interiors in collaboration with the Royal Collections. The use of original materials and old craftsmanship traditions are kept alive.

The Section’s cabinetmakers keep antique furtniture in working order. Photo: Nina Ilefeldt, the Royal Court

The Section is also in charge of larger-scale renovation and rehabilitation projects. The conversion of the former Palace stables into the Queen Sonja Art Stable is an example of a recent project, where authentic details from the original building now add harmony and contrast to a modern, functional exhibition venue.

The daily running of the Royal Estates

The Section is also responsible for the Court's office furtniture and textiles, lighting and technical equipment.

Providing a wide range of services for the users of the buildings and taking part in the preparation and conducting of various events are important tasks for the Section.

Taking a short break from the preparations for the large garden party in the Palace Park in 2016. Photo: Jan Haug, the Royal Court

The Court employs several external warehouses for the storage of various objects, books and archives. The Section is responsible for these warehouses.

Statsbygg

The Section cooperates closely with the Norwegian government building and construction adviser Statsbygg, which takes care of technical systems, such as electricity, water and ventilation, etc. at the state-owned properties. Statsbygg has four employees permanently stationed at the Palace, and is responsible for all exterior maintenance and larger scale construction projects on the state-owned estates.

Organisation

The Section for Estates Management is organised under the Department of Royal Estates and Parks, and is led by Assisting Palace Superintendant Heide Tjøm. The Section receives funding from the appanage for the necessary management of the private estates.