Contemporary architecture can be magnificent on its own, but when it collides with the Norwegian nature that is something truly special.

The Kistefos Museum is a contemporary art museum and sculpture park located in Jevnaker Municipality some hour away from the Oslo by car.

The art park first opened to the public back in 1996 with an exhibition of 25 sculptures.

 

Founded by Christen Sveaas, the biggest shareholder of Kistefos and a privately owned investment company, the art park opened back in 1996.

The exhibition building, called The Twist was designed by the Danish star architects BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group.

The Twist serves both as a gallery space and the bridge over the river spanning 60 meters across the Randselva river.

Back in the day the rivers waterfall was used to power wood pulp mill where the museum now holds place.

The art park is surrounding the old factory building, that is a living witness of now dead industrial period of Norway, but a very important one.

The sculpture park currently contains 46 sculptures, by both Norwegian and international artists and its a fantastic combination of industrial cultural heritage and contemporary art.

Sett in the middle of the park, there is a small serving place and a children climbing area, since the sculpture park serves as an outdoor area as well.

We visited Kistefos one sunny Saturday in May 2025, crossing the river through the museum gallery (nor very impressed by the interior and the exhibition) and walking around among the art pieces and nature. Better couldn’t be 😊