in detail
The Villa Grande was constructed in 1911 and passed on to the Norwegian state in 1928. The Norwegian collaborator with the National Socialist regime, Vidkun Quisling, confiscated and assumed possession of the building and surrounding grounds in 1941. Down to 1945, he and his wife lived on the estate, which they named »Gimle«.
In the first 18 months after the war, the building was used by the Allies as an officers' mess and ambassador's residence. From 1948 to 1961, the building was part of the Ullevål Sykehus Hospital. From 1963 to 1998, it housed a school for health care workers.
After the Villa Grande was initially put up for sale in 1999, those plans were dropped and a decision was made to establish a centre there for research on the Holocaust and the religious minorities in Norway. In 2000, the Norwegian parliament agreed to transform the Villa Grande into a study centre. In 2003/2004, renovations were carried out to change the building into a museum and research centre. Its opening is planned in October 2005.
The Villa Grande was built in 1911. Vidkun Quisling leader of the antidemocratic and antisemitic party »Nasjonal Samling« collaborated with the German invadors and became prime minister. He confiscated and took possession of the building and surrounding grounds in 1941 and used it until 1945.
After the end of the war down to 1998, it was initially utilised by the Allies, later served as a hospital and then as a school for health care workers.
In 2000, the Norwegian parliament decided to transform the Villa Grande into a centre for research on the Holocuast and the religious minorities in Norway. In 2003/2004, it was renovated and converted into a museum and research centre. Its opening is planned in October 2005.
1911
Construction of the Villa Grande.
1941 to 1945
Use of the building and surrounding grounds by the Norwegian collaborator with the National Socialist regime, Vidkun Quisling.
1945 to 1998
The building is used for 18 months by the Allies, and then for various purposes by the Norwegian health system.
1999
The idea is born to create a centre for research on the Holocaust and the religious minorities in Norway in the Villa Grande.
2000
Decision by the Norwegian parliament to transform the Villa Grande into a study centre.
2003/2004
Renovations and restructuring the building for use as a museum and research centre.
October 2005
Planned opening of the Study Centre.
