In recent years, a number of our neighbouring countries have issued new and more secure banknotes. Fortunately, only a very small proportion of banknotes in Norway are counterfeit. However, if Norway's banknotes lag behind in terms of security, we run the risk of developing a counterfeiting problem.

"As the central bank, Norges Bank bears the responsibility for ensuring that the security level of Norwegian banknotes is sufficiently high at all times. Norges Bank has therefore produced a new banknote series that is more secure than ever before", says Governor Øystein Olsen.

For the first time in history, Norwegian banknotes will not feature portraits. Instead, the new notes all reflect a common theme: "The Sea". A traditional, iconic design features on the front of the new notes, with a different maritime motif for each denomination, based on proposals from Metric Design and Terje Tønnessen. The modern, pixellated patterns on the back of the notes are built up around a grid system based on the Beaufort wind force scale, developed from Snøhetta's proposal.

"Norges Bank's banknotes and coins are the community's money, money we share, and for which we collectively act as guarantor. It is natural that they should tell a story that reflects us as a community of people, and the sea and our coastline are key dimensions in that story. And I hope that the new banknotes will act as an excellent business card for our country", says Olsen.

Norges Bank aims to put the new 100-krone and 200-krone notes into circulation on 30 May 2017. The other denominations will be launched in 2018 and 2019. However, the general public will be given a sneak preview at the exhibition "Meet Norway's new banknotes" at Vippetangen in Oslo, 22-27 November.

The interface between security and design is the focus of the exhibition, which also provides a rare glimpse into the complexity of banknotes.

Opening times for the general public

Tuesday 22 November, 13-19
Wednesday 23 November, 13-19
Thursday 24 November, 9-19
Friday 25 November, 13-19
Saturday 26 November, 10-20
Sunday 27 November, 11-17

Address: Akershusstranda 25, Skur 40, 0150 Oslo
Admittance is free and the café will be open.