Henie Onstad Art Center — Attraction in Bærum

Henie Onstad Art Center is a hidden gem just outside Oslo, perfect for those looking to escape the city crowds and immerse themselves in contemporary art. As a Yayoi Kusama fan, this was an unforgettable experience. The center houses some of her iconic works, including immersive installations that play with light, mirrors, and color in ways that are both playful and deeply moving. Unlike more crowded Kusama exhibitions around the world, here you can take your time, reflect quietly, and truly absorb the details.

Set beautifully by the Oslofjord, the museum’s location adds to the calm and contemplative atmosphere. The surrounding nature, combined with the clean, minimalist architecture, enhances the art-viewing experience. There’s also a lovely café and sculpture park, making it easy to spend half a day here.

What sets Henie Onstad apart is its balance of world-class art and peaceful surroundings. It’s not overrun by tourists, so you’re free to engage with the works in a personal and meaningful way. Whether you’re a Kusama devotee or simply enjoy contemporary art in a serene setting, this center is a must-visit...

Henie Onstad Art Center is a small museum that is a tiny gem. It is located at Høvik, outskirts of Oslo and easily accessible by car and public transport. The art center houses a permanent collection and frequent temporary exhibits. On recent visits, we enjoyed the wonderful woven sculptures of the Polish artist Magdalena Abakonwicz. The sculptures known as Abakans are soft, organic, large and expressive works in fibre (e.g. hemp, sisal, horsehair, etc) and hung from the ceiling. While the permanent exhibit "Hymn of life" is by Yayoi Kusame, the Japanese artist. The pumpkin is one of her important sculptures and the infinity room with Hymn of Life is a 50 square meter installation. Well curated and nicely displayed art makes this a delightful stop...

Our visit to the museum was incredibly fortunate. When we arrived, there were very few people around. Even more amazingly, they still had Yayoi Kusama's work on display, particularly the "Infinity Mirror Room," where we found ourselves alone with the mesmerizing lights and reflections.

Typically, museums limit visitors to 15 minutes per room, and there are usually 2-4 more visitors in each space. However, on this occasion, it felt like a private viewing, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the art. It was an unforgettable and...