Art and culture

Sculpture Parks

At Fornebu, corporations have invested millions in world-class outdoor art installations; attached to the buildings, in the beach zone and the sculpture park «Imprints» by A-HA’s Magne Furuholmen. Savor your impressions at one of the local restaurants such as Brasserie X or the iconic Sjøflyhavna.

Henie Onstad Art Center has about twenty sculptures in the museum park of which the Sun Sculpture is in memory of Sonia Henie. The surrounding area is popular for walks with hiking trails and sandy beaches. Combine your visit with dining on the museum's terrace overlooking the sea and the “Kolsås peak” painted by Claude Monet in 1895. Jason Taylor's underwater sculpture park by neighbor Sjøholmen aims to create new artificial reefs using large underwater sculptures - and recreate biodiversity. Two sculptures can be seen on the bathing jetty while the rest are experienced on the large posters in the park or by free diving in the sea.

Photo: Jason Taylor underwater sculpture on Sjøholmen in Bærum

The sculpture park at Bærums Verk is idyllically located in this charming historic site among old wooden buildings along the river. This is the country's leading collection of Norwegian sculptors. Former manager Anna Krefting started in early 1800 century, among other things, a school for the children of the employees at the ironworks, one of the country's first schools and the country's first Inn and pub, today a renowned restaurant. Bærums Verk is host to 40 charming artisan shops and eateries.

In Hvitsten, Fred Olsen Lines shows 37 figureheads made by famous Norwegian artists. Hvitsten was also the home of famous artists such as Kristian Krogh, Th. Kittelsen and Edvard Munch.

The cultural destination Ramme opened June 2020, only a short walk along the coastal path. Staying overnight here for an eventful weekend with art, culture and music in scenic settings. In the restaurant lovely meals are served with home grown ingredients from the organic hotel farm. Ramme Fjordhotel will open in the autumn in 2020.

Photo: Go on a figurehead hunt in Hvitsten

Museums and galleries

Henie Onstad Art Center is the country's most important museum for modern art and contemporary art at Høvikodden 15 minutes west of Oslo. The museum hosts changing exhibitions, in addition to the Henie Onstad collection with everything from Picasso and Matisse to Beuys and Christo, Yayoi Kusama and well-known Norwegian artists such as Weidemann.

Photo: Yayoi Kusama's Hymn of Life, permanent installation at Henie Onstad Art Center in Bærum

Gallery Würth is one of Europe's largest private art collections focusing on European and American paintings, graphics and sculptures from the end of the 19th century until today. The gallery is adjacent to Würth Norway's head office in Nittedal. 2-3 annual exhibitions a year which rotate between the Würth galleries worldwide.

In Lillestrøm you ought to visit Akershus Kunstsenter which is one of the most exciting places for contemporary which is close at the moment - while we are waiting for a bran new museum to open in the end om January in 2021. 

Photo: Würth Gallery

In Drøbak Galleri Finsrud's has two galleries where we are invited into the creative world of the multi - artist, painter and sculptor Reidar Finnsrud. He engages in innovation, technical inventions and industrial design in addition to hosting a painting school. The small towns of Drøbak and Son have a good selection of galleries, living artist workshops and small shops with changing exhibitions and good craftsmanship as well as many nice restaurants and cafes. Similarly, you will also find on the west side of the Oslo Fjord as the Glassblowers at Bærums Verk and in the small towns of Vollen, Slemmestad, Filtvedt and Holmsbu to name a few. Feel free to stop by one of the many coastal galleries in Asker starting at Det Gule Huset in Holmen.

Near by is Asker Museum and the “Artist Valley” where reputed artist used to live and gather. Explore the Valstad's collections, the home of artist Tilla and Otto Valstad and as well as Labråten - Hulda and Arne Garborg's home. The museum has a rich collection of old houses and objects and a lush, baroque-inspired garden with animal sculptures by Anne Grimdalen, where concerts and events are held.

Unique art and culture hotels

Quality Hotel Olavsgaard is decorated with about 25,000 secondhand books to honour the written word, freely accessible to all visitors. Art made by Ari Behn and Nico Widerberg are also on display, among others - we recommend a visit to the restrooms downstairs!

In 2020, the venerable Losby Gods was named Europe's Best Historic Hotel and tells the story of a bygone era when Losby was a large farm community and hunting castle. The modern hotel is decorated with antiques and pictures that tell the history of the area.

Photo: Perhaps Norway's coolest hotel toilet? Quality Hotel Olavsgaard in Romerike

Holmen Fjordhotell is today owned by Trygve Hegnar who displays some of his maritime antiques, old boats and a collection of Jaguar vintage cars here at the hotel. Great SPA facilities, a pier area and beautiful view overlooking the fjord makes the hotel worth a visit.

Hurdalsjøen Hotel in beautiful Hurdal has a beautiful sculpture park. It is great to walk to Fjellsjøkampen which is formerly Akershus highest peak. In addition, the hotel offers a newly opened restaurant AX and a new spa area. On the way to the hotel you can also stop by historic Eidsvoll 1814 where our constitution was made in 1814.

Street Art

Martin Watson, one of Norway's foremost graffiti artists is from Asker. His murals can be admired in Lillesmuget in Asker, at the newly built Bekkestua School and in the underpass behind the train station at Jessheim. Other works were also commissioned by the VisitOsloRegion. To be found a short day excursion from Oslo city centre.

Photo: Martin Whatson SPRAY in the center of Asker