Approximately 07:25: The leader of Studentersamfunnet i Bergen speaks and lays a wreath as the morning procession passes. Lungegaardens Musikkorps plays “Ja, vi elsker” afterwards.
At approximately 07:25 on 17 May 2027, a wreath-laying ceremony takes place at the Christie monument on Muséplass as the Morning Procession passes. The head of Studentersamfunnet i Bergen gives a speech and lays a wreath. Lungegaardens Musikkorps plays “Ja, vi elsker” after the wreath laying.
The time is approximate and depends on the procession’s progress.
Scenes from the 2024 ceremony
Christie and the Constitution
Wilhelm Frimann Koren Christie (1778–1849) was one of Bergen’s representatives at the Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll in 1814, where he was elected permanent secretary. That autumn, he became the first President of the Storting and led negotiations with Sweden.
Christie helped Norway retain its Constitution and significant elements of its independence within the union with Sweden. His ability to listen, negotiate and find solutions made him a central figure in the dramatic events of 1814.
Bergen’s museum pioneer
Christie was also a driving force behind the foundation of Bergen Museum in 1825. He collected objects, historical information, legends and words from rural communities and spent many years developing the museum. It later became an important precursor to the University of Bergen. The monument’s position in front of the University Museum is therefore especially meaningful.
From Torgallmenningen to Muséplass
The Christie monument was unveiled on Torgallmenningen on 17 May 1868, following a nationwide fundraising campaign. It is regarded as Norway’s first public portrait monument. Sculptor Christopher Borch created the bronze statue, showing Christie holding and pointing to the Constitution.
After the city fire of 1916, the monument was removed and stored. It was erected at Muséplass for Bergen Museum’s centenary in 1925. The relocation and creation of its present form took place in 1925–1926. Wilhelm Rasmussen’s lion was added at the base in 1926.
Today, “the lion” is a well-known meeting point on Nygårdshøyden. The Constitution Day wreath laying connects the Constitution, the city’s history and students’ sense of belonging in Bergen.
Getting there
The ceremony takes place at the Christie monument on Muséplass, in front of the University Museum. Keep the procession’s passage clear and follow the organisers’ instructions.
Sources: Stortinget — Wilhelm Frimann Koren Christie, University of Bergen — Torgallmenningen and Muséplass and Bergen city encyclopaedia — the Christie monument.