The statue of Christian Michelsen lies in the heart of Bergen, by Festplassen, the "Celebration Square". It was created by sculptor Gustav Vigelund, one of the most celebrated Norwegian artist,s and unveiled in 1938. Michelsen is regarded as one of the foremost statesmen of his day. He served as Prime Minister between 1905 and 1907, having made his fortune in the shipping industry. A nationalist and liberal, he was largely responsible for the dissolution of the union with Sweden, which ultimately resulted in full independence for the modern nation.
