Upholding (2026) © Matias Faldbakken / BONO. Photo: Niklas Hart / KORO.

22 July Memorial Typeface – Custom typeface for the national memorial for 22 July at Johan Nygaardsvolds plass in Oslo

The national memorial for 22 July at Johan Nygaardsvolds plass

The national memorial for 22 July stands at Johan Nygaardsvolds plass, where the new Government Quarter meets the 22 July Centre. The work “En opprettholdelse” (Upholding) by Matias Faldbakken is built around the large steel rig originally made to move Picasso’s “Fiskerne” (The Fishermen) from the demolished Y-block to the new A-block in the Government Quarter.

In the memorial, this structure is raised again. It holds a large stone mosaic based on a drawing of a small wading bird from Utøya and Tyrifjorden. On the lower steel beam are the names and ages of the 77 people killed in the terrorist attacks.

A custom memorial typeface based on Norwegian memorial lettering

The typeface was drawn specifically for the memorial. It was developed through close study of earlier memorial lettering in Norway. It is a contrasted sans serif with narrow proportions and calm, clear forms.

Names and ages milled in raised letters on the lower steel beam

The names and ages are milled in relief on the upper side of the lower steel beam. They are arranged across five sections that run along the full width of the structure. Next to each name there is a hole in the steel, where a flower can be placed. The milling tool rounds the inner corners of the letters, giving them some of the same direct, physical character as the structure itself.

Cast plaques at ground level in Norwegian and English

The same typeface is used on two cast plaques at ground level. They describe the events of 22 July in Norwegian and English.

Images of the typeface will be added after the memorial opens to the public.