This timeline presents Ibsen's writings – from his start as a young chemist's apprentice writing in his spare time, until he publishes his symbolic dramas as a world famous author.

1828 – 1849
Childhood and youth in and around Skien. In 1844 he becomes a chemist's apprentice at Grimstad, and begins writing on the side. His first published work appears in 1849. He is working on his first drama, Catilina, while studying for his examen artium.

1850 – 1865
Catilina is published with the help of Ibsen's friend Ole Schulerud. Ibsen moves to Christiania to become a student. He continues writing, and in 1851 goes to Bergen where he is hired as a writer and stage instructor at Det Norske Theater. In 1857 he moves back to Christiania and becomes artistic director at Chistiania Norske Theater. Moves to Italy 1864.

1866 – 1883
Brand is published in 1866 and is a success. Peer Gynt appears in 1867, and in 1874 Edvard Grieg is commissioned to write the stage music for the play. Peer Gynt opens in 1876 at Christiania Theater. Between 1877 and 1882 Ibsen publishes a series of what is often called "social dramas", the first one is Pillars of Society, and in 1879 A Doll's House is published and opens in Copenhagen less than three weeks later.

1884 – 1906
The Wild Duck, published in 1884, is the first of the "symbolic dramas". Ibsen moves to Kristiania in 1891 and lives there until his death in 1906.