Source: Pixabay. Picture shows the entrance of the Astrup Fearnly Museum in Oslo.
Do you enjoy watching contemporary art in buildings that are art pieces in themselves? Then this blogpost is for you. Here are some of Norway’s best art museums, found in Bergen, Kristiansand, Jevnaker and Oslo.
KODE – Bergen
KODE Art Museums: KODE is a group of art museums and galleries in Bergen, and several of its venues showcase contemporary art. KODE 1, for example, often exhibits contemporary art alongside its collection of older European art, offering a dynamic contrast between historical and modern works. The museum is spread all over the city, so chose your location according to your preferences. Many of the galleries are in well-kept historical buildings. There are in total nine different museums! If you only have time for a few, and are looking for contemporary art, I suggest you visit the following:
• KODE 1 - Permanenten: KODE 1, also known as "Permanenten", focuses on applied arts and design. It features a diverse collection of decorative arts, including furniture, textiles, silverware, and ceramics, highlighting the history of craftsmanship and design in Norway.
• KODE 6 - Norwegian Museum of Photography: KODE 6 focuses on the art of photography and is dedicated to showcasing the history and development of photography as an art form. It features a collection of photographs and hosts temporary exhibitions of both historical and contemporary photography.
• KODE 9 - KODE Art Museums of Bergen: KODE 9 is a museum dedicated to contemporary art and presents a wide range of contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and multimedia pieces. It often collaborates with local and international artists to create engaging exhibitions.
The official webpage for this museum can be found here.
Kistefos Museum - Jevnaker
Kistefos-Museet, is a contemporary art museum located in Jevnaker, Norway. It is situated in a picturesque natural forest along the banks of the Randselva River, approximately 80 kilometers north of Oslo. The museum is housed in a former wood pulp mill that dates back to the 1880s. It has retained much of the industrial architecture and elements from its past, creating an intriguing blend of contemporary art and historical industrial structures.
The museum also features a beautiful sculpture park with artworks by various renowned artists, including Anish Kapoor, Olafur Eliasson, and Jeppe Hein. These sculptures are displayed outdoors, making use of the natural landscape and the industrial remnants of the mill.
One of the most distinctive architectural features of Kistefos Museum is "The Twist," a striking, twisting bridge-like structure that connects the two sides of the museum complex. The Twist serves as both an art installation, a functional bridge and an art gallery in itself.
The museum is open from may until October.
The official webpage for this museum can be found here.
Astrup Fearnley – Oslo
The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, commonly referred to as the Astrup Fearnley Museum, is the biggest contemporary art museum in central Oslo. The museum is dedicated to contemporaryart, and the collection is one of Europe's most extensive collections of international contemporary art. Hans Rasmus Astrup, the museum's founder, began purchasing art in the 1960s, and at the time of his passing in 2021, the Astrup Fearnley Collection consisted of more than 1,500 works. It continues to grow through new acquisitions. The most famous pieces from the permanent exhibition are probably:
Damien Hirst - “Mother and child”.
A Cow and her calf split in two, with surgical precision. Each half put in a glass case filled with liquid, so you can have a stroll through the middle. Grotesque and beautiful at the same time.
Jeff Koons – “Michael Jackson and Bubbles”
Koons have made a golden porcelain sculpture of one of the most strange but iconic duos of our time; The King of Pop himself, and his pet chimpanzee.
Insider tip: A membership past costs only a little more than a ticket, and will give you access to all exceptions all year, including exclusive invitations for artist talks.
The official webpage for this museum can be found here.
Kunstsilo Kristiansand
In the southern town of Kristiansand, the municipality gave thumbs up to turn the biggest corn silo in town into an art hall. The renovation project will finish this year, and the official opening day will be on the 11th of May 2024.
The museum is situated in the city center of Kristiansand, making it easily accessible to both residents and tourists. Its central location makes it a focal point for the city's cultural activities.
Kunstsilo focuses exclusively on contemporary art, showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions, including painting, sculpture, photography, video art, and installations. The museum will have several exhibition spaces spread across its multiple floors, providing a dynamic and versatile environment for displaying contemporary art.
The official webpage for this museum can be found here.
Hope you enjoyed these tips!
Best,
Hannah, OLS Community Manager - Norwegian