The Ibsen Year (Norwegian: Ibsenåret) was the Norwegian government's official celebration of Henrik Ibsen in 2006, marking the 100th anniversary of his death. The Ibsen Year included cultural events in multiple countries, including an opening ceremony in Oslo attended by the royal family and international guests, television programs, cultural events in Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, China[1] and other countries, and an International Gala performance at the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt,[2] hosted by the country's First Lady Suzanne Mubarak and also attended by Queen Sonja.[3] The Ibsen Year's artistic director was Bentein Baardson and the producer was Nora Ibsen. The chairman of the supervisory committee was former Norwegian Minister of Culture Lars Roar Langslet.[4] The planning committee of the Ibsen Year had a core budget of around 70 million NOK, not counting TV productions and various other costs.[5]
Queen Sonja was the Ibsen Year's high protector.[3] The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the embassies around the world had an important role in carrying out the Ibsen Year.[6]
The Ibsen Year comprised 8213 separate cultural events, and 83 countries took part in the commemoration.[7]