Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art

Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art is a privately owned contemporary art museum in Oslo, set on the Tjuvholmen peninsula beside the fjord. It is one of the capital's key stops for anyone interested in recent decades of art, and a good reason to explore the city's modern waterfront.

What is the Astrup Fearnley Museum?

The museum is privately owned and has welcomed the public since 1993. It has focused on contemporary art from the start, and its collection grew out of an interest in the American appropriation artists of the 1980s. Over time the holdings widened towards the international contemporary scene, and today they include artists such as Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, Cindy Sherman, Matthew Barney, Tom Sachs, Doug Aitken, Olafur Eliasson and Cai Guo-Qiang.

What will you see inside?

The permanent collection is the backbone, but temporary exhibitions shape the character of the place. The museum stages six or seven each year, so a return visit usually means a different programme. It works with institutions in several countries, and some of its exhibitions go on to travel the world. If you enjoy pop-inflected art, works that rework familiar images from mass culture, or large-scale installations, this is a good address.

Where is it, and what does the building look like?

In 2012 the museum moved into two new buildings designed by Renzo Piano in the Tjuvholmen district. The complex consists of two parts separated by a canal, right on the Oslofjord. Tjuvholmen is now a modern, waterside part of the city centre, with a promenade, restaurants and room for strolling. Next to the museum lies Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park, a small outdoor sculpture park. It is more a short, compact walk than a sprawling park, but it complements a visit well. A few works also stand on the small lawn in front of the museum and can be viewed free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

When did the museum open?

It opened to the public in 1993. Since 2012 it has been housed in its current complex in Tjuvholmen.

Who designed the current building?

Renzo Piano, the Italian architect. The museum consists of two buildings divided by a canal.

Which artists are in the collection?

Among others Jeff Koons, Richard Prince, Cindy Sherman, Matthew Barney, Tom Sachs, Doug Aitken, Olafur Eliasson and Cai Guo-Qiang.

Does the museum have temporary exhibitions?

Yes, usually six or seven per year.

Is it a public museum?

It is privately owned but open to visitors. Check the museum's official website for current opening hours and ticket prices before you go, as they can change, especially around holidays.

Who is it for?

Fans of contemporary art, architecture and modern waterfront districts. Combine the visit with a walk around Tjuvholmen and the nearby sculpture park, and you have an easy half day in central Oslo.