Kistefos museum

Kistefos museum is a hidden gem in Jevnaker municipality that offers a unique blend of art, history, and nature.

Founded by Christen Sveaas in 1996, the museum is built on the site of a former wood pulp mill, which adds a layer of industrial heritage to its charm. The thought behind Kistefos is to create a space where contemporary art and historical industrial architecture coexist. The museum is providing visitors with a multifaceted cultural experience.

Sculpture park

One of the most striking features of Kistefos is its sculpture park, home to over 40 works by renowned artists from around the world. As you wander through the park, you’ll encounter a variety of installations that challenge your perception and invite you to engage with the environment in new ways. Among the highlights is “The Twist,” a stunning architectural marvel designed by the Danish firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group). This bridge-like structure twists through the landscape, serving as both a gallery and a pedestrian bridge over the Randselva river. Inside, you’ll find rotating exhibitions of contemporary art that are as dynamic as the building itself.

Another notable installation is “Path of Silence” by Jeppe Hein, which consists of a series of mirrored columns that reflect the surrounding nature, creating an ever-changing interplay of light and reflections. This piece encourages visitors to pause and contemplate their surroundings, making it a meditative experience.

Industrial history

For those interested in the industrial history of the site, the museum also features the old pulp mill. The mill has been preserved and transformed into an exhibition space. Here, you can learn about the history of the mill and its significance to the local community, as well as see historical machinery and artifacts.

Kistefos Museum was as the only tourist attraction in Norway, listed on the prestigious New York Times list “52 Places to Go in 2020”. 👌

In the area

South of Kistefoss, you’ll find a great road around Tyrifjorden. Here you should make a stop at the Utøya memorial and maybe at Veien Cultural Heritage Park at Hønefoss.

Being partly an outdoor museum, Kistefos is closed during winter. It normally opens early May and is accessible till mid October. For exact opening hours, please check the museums website.

YouTube video by Kistefos