Astrup Fearnley Museum

The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art was established in 1993, originally located at Dronningens gate 4 in Oslo. It was founded to house the extensive private collection of the Astrup Fearnley family, descendants of a wealthy shipping dynasty. From its inception, the museum focused on acquiring and exhibiting works by major international contemporary artists, bridging the gap between the Norwegian art scene and the global avant-garde. In 2012, the museum underwent a massive transformation when it moved to its current iconic location at Tjuvholmen. Designed by the world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, the new building is an architectural marvel integrated into the waterfront landscape. The structure is composed of three separate buildings linked by a sweeping glass roof, designed to evoke the shape of a sail, reflecting Oslo's deep maritime heritage and the surrounding fjord. Today, the museum stands as a cornerstone of the Norwegian art world and a symbol of Oslo's urban revitalization. It is famous for its bold acquisitions, including Damien Hirst's 'Mother and Child (Divided)' and Jeff Koons' 'Michael Jackson and Bubbles.' By hosting rotating exhibitions and maintaining a permanent collection of world-class contemporary art, it continues to provoke dialogue and attract visitors from all over the globe.