Henie Onstad Art Center
Viken
Henie Onstad Art Center, located on the scenic Høvikodden peninsula in Bærum, Norway, is a leading museum dedicated to contemporary art. Founded in 1968 by the Olympic figure skater and actress Sonja Henie and her husband Niels Onstad, it began with their private collection of about 100 artworks. Today, the collection has expanded to over 8,000 pieces, making it a significant cultural institution. The museum serves as a vibrant arena for both national and international visual arts, also hosting concerts, dance performances, and other cultural events. Architecturally, the building harmonizes with the Oslofjord landscape, designed by Jon Eikvar and Svein-Erik Engebretsen, featuring materials like glass, stone, natural concrete, and copper. Permanent exhibitions include Yayoi Kusama's immersive "Hymn of Life" installation with pulsating mirrored surfaces, the "Merz! Flux! Pop!" exhibition dedicated to avant-garde artist Kurt Schwitters and Fluxus movement works, and a dedicated room showcasing Sonja Henie's career as a figure skater and film star. The surrounding sculpture park contains about 30 sculptures, including Arnold Haukeland's iconic "Sun Sculpture" from 1970. The center is committed to evolving its creative offerings, with plans for a new workshop space to open in 2026.
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Tip: For the best experience, visit during spring through autumn when both indoor exhibitions and the outdoor sculpture park can be fully enjoyed. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions and events. The museum offers various public tours, family activities, and concerts throughout the year, with discounts available for seniors, students, and groups. Check the official website for current exhibitions and event schedules to plan your visit accordingly.
Interesting facts
- •The museum's collection has grown from about 100 original works to over 8,000 pieces.
- •Arnold Haukeland's "Sun Sculpture" (1970) is a prominent outdoor artwork in the sculpture park surrounding the museum.
- •The building was designed to integrate naturally with the Oslofjord landscape using materials like glass, stone, natural concrete, and copper.
- •Yayoi Kusama's "Hymn of Life" is an immersive, mirror-based installation with pulsating colored lights, permanently installed in 2018.
- •The museum hosts not only visual art exhibitions but also concerts, dance performances, and family-oriented events throughout the year.
History
The Henie Onstad Art Center was established in 1968 by Sonja Henie, a celebrated figure skater and actress, and her husband Niels Onstad.
The couple founded the Sonja Henie and Niels Onstad Foundation in 1961, donating their private collection and funds to build and operate the museum.
The architectural design was selected through a competition in 1964, won by architects Jon Eikvar and Svein-Erik Engebretsen.
Since its opening, the collection has grown substantially, and the center has expanded its programming to include concerts, dance, and performance art.
Notable milestones include the addition of permanent exhibitions such as Yayoi Kusama's "Hymn of Life" in 2018 and the "Merz! Flux! Pop!" exhibition in 2021.
Place Guide
Hymn of Life2016 (installed permanently 2018)
An immersive installation by Yayoi Kusama featuring mirrored walls and floors with pulsating, color-changing lights that visitors can walk into, creating a mesmerizing infinite space experience.
Merz! Flux! Pop! Exhibition2021
Dedicated to Kurt Schwitters and contemporaries, this exhibition showcases avant-garde and Fluxus artworks from the museum's collection and archives, including Jean Brown Personal Papers.
Sonja Henie Room2021
A permanent installation showcasing Sonja Henie's career highlights as an Olympic figure skater and Hollywood actress, displaying objects, awards, and memorabilia from 1924 onwards.
Sculpture Park1970 (Sun Sculpture)
An outdoor park featuring about 30 sculptures by various artists, including the famous 'Sun Sculpture' by Arnold Haukeland from 1970, set in the natural landscape by Oslofjord.
Contact
Phone: 67 80 48 80
