Top 10 arty day trips around Oslo

1. Kistefos Museum

Hadeland

The Twist at the Kistefos Museum has been named one of the coolest buildings in the world. It´s a contemporary art gallery that also functions as a sculpture and a bridge across the idyllic Randselva river.

Kistefos Museum, situated 1 hour outside Oslo by car, prides itself with an outstanding sculpture park. Walk around works made by world-class Norwegian and international contemporary artists including Bjarne Melgaard, Fernando Botero, Yayoi Kusama, and Olafur Eliasson.

Not to mention the spectacular mirror labyrinthine and fountain by Danish artist Jeppe Hein.

Be sure to pack your camera!

5. Galleri F 15

Moss

Do you like art that challenges you?

Gallery F 15 offers equal parts rural idyll and edgy, experimental art.

One work of art is edible too – the café's famous Alby pastry! It is even honoured with its own painting.

6. Blaafarveværket

Modum

Pure bliss! Blaafarveværket was established in 1773 to extract cobalt, used in porcelain and glass production. In today’s eight-kilometre (!) long museum, you will learn about the story of the magical blue colour. You can also enjoy the walking paths in the beautiful cultural landscape.

There’s a summer exhibition every year, and the youngest in the family can try the new Children's Cave with lots of fun activities.

8. Midtåsen sculpture pavilion

Sandefjord

If you want to feed your mind in relaxing surroundings, we’ve got the perfect place for you, on a hill outside Sandefjord.

The Midtåsen sculpture pavilion and sculpture park is a wonderful, airy building where you can see 16 of Knut Steen's marble and bronze sculptures.

Afterwards you can go for a stroll in the huge garden of the former shipping magnate Anders Jahre's villa, which is also open for guided tours on selected days during the summer.

Stavern

You can also extend your trip by driving about 20 minutes to Stavern, where you can visit the Nerdrum Museum.

Learn more about Odd Nerdrum's life and work at the historic Chimney House, which was Norway's last match factory.

The museum also offers various cultural events and courses.

9. Lillehammer Art Museum

Lillehammer

This museum offers art inside and out. The building itself was designed by the famous architects at Snøhetta and dispalys the work "Comet" by Bård Breivik.

The collection at Lillehammer Art Museum includes art from the 19th century to the present, including works by icons such as Hans Gude and Edvard Munch, as well as temporary exhibitions.

Be sure to take a long break in the museum’s lovely Art Garden while you’re here.

10. The Peder Balke Center

Østre-Toten

Peder Balke is one of few Scandinavian artists who have had an exhibition at the National Gallery in London. His dramatic and romantic representations of Norwegian nature are something you just have to experience.

In the ballroom at the Peder Balke Center, you’ll find the twelve wall paintings he created here in 1834, including View of Lake Mjøsa.

Art experiences in Oslo

... and don't forget that you’ll find top-notch art in the capital too.

2021 saw the opening of the MUNCH Museum in Bjørvika, followed by the National Museum in 2022, where you can experience Norway's largest collection of art, architecture and design.

Experience other exciting exhibitions atAstrup Fearnley Museum and lots of smaller galleries at Tjuvholmen, the Ekeberg and Vigeland sculpture parks and terrific street art.