08:00 at the Christian Michelsen statue at Festplassen: a speech by Committee chairman Asbjørn Hodnekvam. Music by Krohnengen Brass Band.
17 May 2027, 08:00: Ceremony at the Christian Michelsen statue at Festplassen. Committee chairman Asbjørn Hodnekvam speaks, with music by Krohnengen Brass Band.
Time and place
- Time: 08:00
- Location: Christian Michelsen statue, Festplassen
- Speech: Asbjørn Hodnekvam, Committee chairman
- Music: Krohnengen Brass Band
The man behind the dissolution of the union
Christian Michelsen (1857–1925) was a Bergen native, shipowner and politician. As prime minister in 1905, he played a central role in the peaceful dissolution of the union with Sweden. He had also served as mayor of Bergen.
The ceremony recalls the independence and democracy at the heart of Constitution Day.
A monument rooted in Constitution Day
Gustav Vigeland’s monument was unveiled on 17 May 1938. Standing high above Byparken and Festplassen, it commemorates one of the city’s most influential politicians.
Getting there
Meet at the Christian Michelsen statue at Festplassen. See the ceremony on the interactive map.