In 1895 the Storting granted funds to begin work on a courthouse to house all three court instances: the City (District) Court, the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court. An architectural competion was launched, and the results were announced in March 1896. Twentythree proposals were submitted, and three prizes were awarded. However - a proposal submitted by the architect Hans Jacob Sparre some time after the closing date, was so well received that it was chosen in preference to the three prize winners. The building that was erected according to Sparre's plans distinguished itself in both its exterior and its interior as dignified and, above all, monumental.

The lot, which was very long and narrow, was an architectural challenge which Sparre mastered elegantly. He placed the first instance, the City Court, on the first floor, with a separate entrance from Grubbegaten. He placed the largest courtroom on the second floor, with an impressive entrance (from Apotekergaten) by way of a large vestibule and a stairway hall leading directly up to it. This became the jury courtroom of the Court of Appeal.

The Supreme Court was on the third floor, and its courtroom had both elegant ceiling lighting and windows overlooking Akersgaten, with its own means of access (from Akersgaten) by way of a sidedoor and a staircase leading up to the third floor.

Architect Sparre was responsible for all drawings, including doors, windows, oak panels, decorations, brass chandeliers and furniture. Much of this has been saved and is still in use today.

The renovation

In the beginning of 1994 Oslo City Court and what was then called Eidsivating (now Borgarting) Court of Appeals moved from the Courthouse and into the new Oslo Courthouse. The old building was then placed at the disposal of the Supreme Court.

It was decided that both the interior and exterior of the building was to be restored and renovated.  Furthermore, technical facilities were installed in accordance to modern functional and environmental demands. The pavement in Apotekergaten was also extended, and the street was renamed Supreme Court Square.

The restoration work was completed in the summer of 1996, and Norway's Supreme Court could for the first time in history move into its own building. The costs of the restoration amounted to 112 million NOK. This included building operations, furniture, other fixtures and equipment, as well as work done on the exterior parts of the property.