Art and Culture in Oslo, Norway

Art Privee
Jun 27, 2013 7:00PM

When one thinks of contemporary art and architecture, Oslo may not immediately come to mind—but that is changing.

The dazzling private contemporary art venue, the Astrup Fearnley Museum, designed by Renzo Piano, opened in Oslo last year. This glass- and wood–designed contemporary art complex situated on the waterfront consists of three structures. Two of the buildings are dramatically linked by a bridge over water. One building houses Han’s Rasmus Astrup’s private collection of contemporary art. On view during our visit were galleries devoted to works by Damien HirstJeff Koons, Matthew Barney, and Francis Bacon. With more than 2,000 pieces in Astrup’s collection, these galleries will change and highlight different artists throughout the year. 

Another building, which is primarily devoted to traveling exhibitions, featured Cindy Sherman’s grotesque photographs during our visit. The third building is reserved for office use. Find Astrup Fearnley Museum in our Directory.      

Architecturally stunning, the Oslo Opera House is situated on the waterfront with dramatic views of the city. This well-used facility designed by famed architecture firm Snøhetta, encourages the public to enjoy its features with activities such as skateboarding, picnicking on the roof, or experiencing “avant-garde” opera productions.   

Be prepared to be amazed by the spectacular stage curtain in the theatre, which looks at first to be made of crumpled metal or aluminum but is actually made of fabric, created with a computer-assisted loom by artist Pae White. In this building, there is something for everyone. See more photos and read more about Linda's trip on our blog.

Linda Fischbach has been visiting and researching private museums for more than a decade, and has compiled a list of the world's finest private art museums and collections. In October 2012, she founded www.artprivee.org to enable art enthusiasts to easily locate and uncover essential information on contemporary art collections and exhibitions worldwide.

Art Privee