Kistefos is situated in Jevnaker, Norway, one hour north of Oslo. Photo: Laurian Ghinitoiu.
About Kistefos
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 53 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.
The Twist
The 1000 square meter building twists into a sculptural form and spans 60 meters across the Randselva river. The building was designed by the Danish star architects BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group and has won several awards for its cutting-edge design.
The Twist has been named the most beautiful museum of the year and is referred to as a "must-see" destination. Photo: Laurian Ghinitoiu.
The Twist, interior. Photo: Laurian Ghinitoiu.
Sculpture Park
Each year the sculpture park is expanded with one or more sculptures. Today it contains 52 sculptures by prominent contemporary artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Claes Oldenburg, Fernando Botero, Tony Cragg, Olafur Eliasson, and Anish Kapoor. Many of the sculptures are made site-specific and directly inspired by the area, nature, and history of Kistefos. The works range from the monumental to the unobtrusive, the profound to the playful. The expression of the sculptures changes with the weather and the season - making a visit to the sculpture park a year-round experience.
Time by Nico Widerberg was unveiled in 1995. Photo: Einar Aslaksen.
'Energy-Matter-Space-Time' by Petroc Sesti was unveiled in 2006. Photo: Einar Aslaksen.
Female Torso by Fernando Botero. Photo: Kistefos.
Art
Every year, Kistefos presents new art exhibitions by highly recognized national and international artists in our two galleries, The Twist and Nybruket Gallery.
The architectural masterpiece The Twist is both a gallery, a bridge, and a sculpture, all in one. The 1.000 square meters building takes a sculptural form, twisting at the midway point as it crosses the Randselva river to connect the north and south sides - turning the journey through the park into a loop. The Twist is designed by BIG - Bjarke Ingels and is a unique exhibition space with varied light sources and view over the river.
Nybruket Gallery is located in one of the old factory buildings of A/S Kistefos Træsliberi. The factory heritage has been preserved, creating a beautiful framework for art.
From the exhibition "Reflection" by Jeppe Hein, at display in Nybruket Gallery in 2016. Photo: Frédéric Boudin.
From the exhibition "Hodgkin and Creed - Inside Out" at display in The Twist 2019. Photo: Benjamin Ward.
From the inaugural exhibition in The Twist 2019 - Hodgkin and Creed - Inside Out. Photo: Einar Aslaksen.
Industry
The history of Kistefos started with the old wood pulp mill over 130 years ago. A/S Kistefos Træsliberi was established by consul Anders Sveaas in 1889, a company that produced wood pulp at the site from 1889 to the mid-1950s. The production at Kistefos stopped in 1955, but the buildings and machines have been set in motion once again, creating a living factory for Kistefos´ visitors.
Kistefos, as we know it today, was established in 1996 by Norwegian businessman and art collector Christen Sveaas, grandson of Anders Sveaas.
The industrial history is a running theme throughout the park and is inextricably linked to Kistefos´ history. The river Randselva runs through the entire area and was in the early days the very foundation for the industry at the site. Today, it materializes as a beautiful and soothing signature.
Season - Off-Season
During the season-opening hours, all facilities are open. You may visit our two art exhibitions in The Twist Gallery and Nybruket Gallery and learn about industrial history at Kistefos in the Industrial Museum. In the middle of the park, you will find our cozy museum shop and the café operated by Øvre Kjekshus Gård - one of Norway's best local food producers. We also have an activity park and other activities for the kids.
The sculpture park can be visited all year round. Note that the sculptures containing water will be turned off during winter.
Welcome to Kistefos!
The Twist. Photo: Kim Erlandsen.
All of Nature Flows Through Us by Marc Quinn. Photo: Per Martin Nordlie.
Detail of the sculpture Bent of Mind by Tony Cragg. Photo: Per Martin Nordlie.