Construction started in 2003 and was finished in 2007, ahead of schedule and 300 million Norwegian krone ($52 million United States dollars) under its budget of 4.4 billion Norwegian krone (~$760 million United States dollars). The opening on 12 April 2008 was attended by King Harald, Queen Margrethe II of Denmark and President Tarja Halonen of Finland and other leaders. During the first year over 1.3 mllion people entered the building.