Experience top-of-the-line architecture, stunning art displays and industrial history all amidst gorgeous settings in a sculpture park at the Kistefos Museum!
Kistefos is one of Europe's most prominent modern art sculpture parks. It was built on an ancient pulp mill site and now houses an industrial museum, two art museums, and an amazing sculpture park in stunning scenes. Purposed to preserve the area's architectural and industrial legacy while showcasing the best of Norwegian and worldwide contemporary art, the museum is a special place, and a must-visit establishment.
Sculpture Park
Adding a sculpture or two each year, the park now houses 46 sculptures by global artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Fernando Botero, Anish Kapoor, and more. Many of the sculptures are site-specific and clearly influenced by the museum’s environment, wildlife, and history. The sculptures' expression changes in accordance to the weather, making the park an all-year experience.
The Twist
The Twist combines the functions of a gallery, a bridge, and a sculpture. The massive structure bends and spans 60 metres across the Randselva river in a gorgeous sculptural form. The structure was built by a Danish star architect firm, and has been lauded as a "must-see" cultural attraction by the likes of New York Times, the Bloomberg and more.
Art Museum
Every year, Kistefos' two galleries, The Twist and Nybruket Gallery, host new art exhibits by well-known national and international artists. Nybruket Gallery is housed in one of A/S Kistefos Træsliberi's historic industrial buildings. The factory's history has been maintained, offering a lovely backdrop for art. The art museum showcases stunning works of art in each exhibition, making it the perfect destination for art lovers!
Industry
Kistefos' history dates back more than a century, to the former wood pulp factory. Kistefos' manufacturing ceased in 1955, but the buildings and machinery have been reactivated, providing a live factory for guests to Kistefos. The theme of industrial history runs all throughout park and is integrally related to the museum’s past. The Randselva River flows across the entire area and formed the basic basis for the industry at the site in its early days. It now emerges as a lovely and relaxing hallmark.
The sculpture park also has a cosy souvenir shop and a café where you can enjoy some delicious treats after exploring. The café is run by Øvre Kjekshus gård, among the best local food producers in Norway! You can also visit the climbing park, or partake in other such activities with the kids!
The season for visiting lasts from May to October-mid. The sculpture park can be visited all year long.
Built on the grounds of a historical pulp mill, Kistefos today offers world-class architecture, an Industrial Museum, two art galleries, and an impressive sculpture park with 52 sculptures in scenic surroundings. The new art gallery The Twist, is a gallery, a bridge and a sculpture all in one, and has won several awards for its cutting edge design. In 2020, Kistefos was named a “must-see cultural destination” by the New York Times.
Every year, Kistefos presents new art exhibitions by highly recognized national and international artists in our two galleries, The Twist and Nybruket Gallery.
Kistefos offers several different tours for groups. All tours last 60 minutes.