Norway's National Museum has now opened its doors, with a part of a collection dedicated to the Norwegian designer Peter Dundas' illustrious career
In December last year, Peter Dundas’ son Alexios had his first trip to Norway. Not only did he meet his cousins (“I’d love for him to one day stay with them and go to sailing school as Norwegian kids do,” says Dundas), but the family toured the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, which was then under construction in Oslo. This was a special moment as Dundas is a central part of the contemporary fashion design gallery, with visitors given the chance to experience his career highlights through dresses on loan from some of his most famous clients as well as highlights from his time as creative director of Roberto Cavalli and Emilio Pucci.
Photo: Amar Daved
Peter Dundas’ creations are presented in an exhibition room dedicated to Norwegian contemporary fashion, with awe-inspiring archival pieces on display. A designer that exudes star power, the dresses have been worn by fashion’s biggest players. There are two different dresses worn by Ciara and Kim Kardashian at The Met Gala, an outfit sported by Emily Ratajkowski for the Cannes Film Festival, a gown worn by HRH Crown Princess Mette Marit, an outfit for Emily Blunt for the Governors Awards Hollywood, an evening dress for Poppy Delevingne and a tuxedo worn by Michelle Obama.
Photo: Nasjonalmuseet / Frode Larsen / Annar Bjørgli
Photo: Nasjonalmuseet / Frode Larsen / Annar Bjørgli
“Dundas has continuously drawn impulses from different cultures into his collections but has also kept his Norwegian cultural heritage with him,” says Karin Hindsbo, the museum’s director. “Throughout his career, Dundas has strived to add magic and joy to each outfit, regardless of age, shape, or appearance. Among other things, he is known for his in-depth material knowledge and sewing skills. Dundas has been an inspiration to aspiring fashion designers, and he is a significant representative for contemporary crafts and design.”
“It’s an incredible honour,” says Dundas. “I try not to think too much about it, but of course it’s thrilling.” However, Evangelo Bousis, Dundas’ partner, isn’t afraid to say how important something like this is. “It’s amazing, and the space is amazing. He’s being very Norwegian right now, but I’ll be the Greek and tell you everything: he deserves it. It’s amazing.”
Peter Dundas isn’t the only famous face at the new National Museum. There are rooms dedicated to the museum’s significant collection of works by Edvard Munch, including one of the most famous faces of all ‘The Scream’. In addition, royal gowns worn by Norway’s two queens are showcased along with works by renowned Norwegian architect Sverre Fehn. Permanent collections are also on display from the museum’s many fields - older and modern art, architecture, design, craft, and contemporary art.
Photo: Borre Hostland
Situated on Oslo’s harbour, the new museum offers views of the city, spans two floors, and has almost 90 rooms. It also boasts the largest art library in the Nordic region. It's open now.