This modernist landmark offers a rare mix of heavyweight art—from Picasso to Kusama’s infinity room—set within a sprawling fjord-side sculpture park.
Most tourists get stuck in the "Munch trap" in downtown Oslo and miss this gem entirely. Located just 15 minutes west of the city on the Høvikodden peninsula, Henie Onstad is where art meets nature. Founded by Olympic figure skater Sonja Henie and her shipowner husband Niels Onstad in 1968, the building itself is a piece of sprawling 1960s modernism that fans out into the landscape.
The vibe here is completely different from the vertical museums in the city. It is low, wide, and surrounded by a massive sculpture park that dips right into the Oslofjord. Inside, you will find a serious collection of modern art (Picasso, Matisse) alongside cutting-edge contemporary installations.
The center was established by Sonja Henie, the three-time Olympic figure skating champion, together with her husband Niels Onstad; their donation formed the nucleus of the institution. Do not skip the "Sonja Henie" room. It displays her massive collection of Olympic medals and trophies. It is gloriously excessive and gives you a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Norway’s first global superstars.
Highlights
The biggest draw is Yayoi Kusama’s "Hymn of Life." This is one of her famous "Infinity Rooms" filled with polka-dot lanterns and mirrors. In London or New York, you would queue for hours to see this. Here, on a quiet Tuesday, you can often walk right in.
Explore the 140-acre sculpture park surrounding the museum where massive statues stand directly in the pine forest and along the rocky fjord shoreline.
See the Gold medal: Visit the flashy trophy room displaying the hundreds of medals and cups won by the museum’s founder and figure skating legend Sonja Henie.
Best time to go
Late spring to early autumn for the sculpture park; weekdays outside peak summer weekends to avoid crowds
Time needed
60–180 minutes
Getting there
Take Bus 160 (direction Rykkinn) from Oslo Bus Terminal or Nationaltheatret to the stop Høvikodden. The bus runs frequently and drops you a short walk from the entrance. Note, you need a 2 zone ticket.