Norway Prepares for 15th Anniversary of Breivik Attacks with New Memorial Project

By Meduza
April 14, 2025

As Norway approaches the 15th anniversary of the tragic terrorist attacks carried out by Anders Breivik, the country is preparing to unveil a new memorial in Oslo dedicated to the victims. The commemorative project comes after a three-year competition that sought a design to honor the lives lost on July 22, 2011. The winner of this competition is Norwegian artist Matias Faldbakken, whose proposal aims to create a striking mosaic that reflects the natural beauty of the island of Utøya, the site of the youth camp where Breivik tragically took the lives of numerous participants.

The Historical Context

On July 22, 2011, Anders Breivik, a self-proclaimed neo-Nazi, detonated a bomb in the government quarter of Oslo, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. Following the bombing, he traveled to Utøya Island where he opened fire on attendees of a Workers' Party youth camp, ultimately killing 77 people. Breivik was sentenced to 21 years in prison, a term that can be extended indefinitely as long as he is deemed a danger to society.

In the aftermath of the attacks, Norwegian authorities recognized the need for memorials to honor the victims' memories. In 2014, Swedish artist Jonas Dahlberg won an earlier competition with his project titled "Memory Wound." His design involved cutting a three-and-a-half-meter-wide slit in the Sørbråten peninsula near Utøya. However, this project faced numerous delays and concerns about its environmental impact, leading to its eventual cancellation.

The New Memorial Initiative

Despite the setbacks from past proposals, Norway's government has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a significant memorial. The new design competition, organized by KORO—the government agency responsible for art in public spaces—was more transparent and inclusive than the initial competition. Participants included artists, curators, politicians, as well as survivors of the 2011 attacks and relatives of the deceased.

Matias Faldbakken, who represented Norway at the Venice Biennale in 2005, has been selected for the project. His memorial will feature a mosaic depicting a bird species native to Utøya, along with its reflection in the water. This monumental artwork will stand 12 meters high and 15 meters wide, supported by a steel frame. Faldbakken draws inspiration from the delicate bird, seeing it as a fitting symbol to memorialize the tragedy.

An Artistic Reflection

In his statement, Faldbakken remarked that he often visited Utøya after the attacks and became fascinated by the local flora and fauna. He describes the fragile bird as a peaceful image that serves as a metaphorical reflection on the horrors that can lie beneath a calm exterior. "Breivik was a homegrown terrorist, something that puzzled the nation. Beneath the serene Scandinavian facade, horror can sometimes lie hidden," he explained.

Moving Forward

The unveiling of the new memorial is set to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the tragic events, providing an opportunity for reflection and remembrance. It aims to honor the memory of those lost and remind future generations of the importance of peace and understanding in society.

This initiative underscores Norway's ongoing commitment to addressing the past while fostering a dialogue about its implications for the future. As the country prepares for this important anniversary, the new memorial may serve as a powerful symbol of resilience and hope in the face of tragedy.