Astrup Fearnley: the Coolest Private Art Collection in Oslo

Not only is the Tjuvholmen neighborhood of Oslo filled with modern architecture, it is also home to the Astrup Fearnley Museet, a private Norwegian art collection turned publicly accessible museum.

The museum was created by the Fearnleys, a Norwegian family known for their shipping business. While the museum was founded in 1993, it has only been at its present location since 2012.

The building is seamlessly integrated into the Norwegian landscape and it rests on the edge of a Fjord in Oslo, providing a wonderful view into the harbor. It was designed by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop as part of a collaboration with Narud-Stokke-Wiig.

Inside the Astrup Fearnley Museet

There were two special exhibitions on view during my visit in addition to works from the acclaimed permanent collection. Here is the view from the second floor looking down on the “Love Story” exhibition:

Astrup Fearnley Museet Love Story Exhibition

And another work in the exhibition:

This is a shot of the famous work The High Priestess by Anselm Kiefer, juxtaposed next to another dark work by Odd Nerum:

Astrup Fearnley Museet - Anselm Kiefer - The High Priestess

The second exhibition was a retrospective of Damien Hirst and even displayed the famous FOR THE LOVE OF GOD crystalized skull work. Sadly photos were not allowed but I can tell you it was a truly unique experience to see the sculpture. I walked through a pitch black hallway into a totally dark room where the only thing visible is the crystal skull itself! I even had trouble finding the way out…