This striking villa, completed by renowned architect Arne Korsmo in 1939, is one of the most important works in the functionalist style in Norway. The house was built for Rolf Stenersen, a businessman, olympic athlete, author, codebreaker and longtime friend of Edvard Munch - Munch actually painted works specifically for this villa (today copies hang in their place).

The outbreak of WW2 forced Stenersen to flee to Sweden, and he was not able to return to his house until the end of the war. In 1974 he donated his house to the state, intending it to become an official residence for the government. In fact, one prime minister, Oddvar Nordli, did occupy the house for a while. Later the house was the residence of the Stoltenbergs, during which time Nelson Mandela was a guest. The house was eventually restored, and opened as a museum.…