Art and Culture in Oslo and Copenhagen

When one thinks of contemporary art and architecture, Oslo and Copenhagen may not immediately come to mind—but that is changing.
 

Oslo

The dazzling private contemporary art venue, the Astrup Fearnley Museum, designed by Renzo Piano, opened in Oslo last year.
 
This glass- and wood–designed contemporary art complex situated on the waterfront consists of three structures. Two of the buildings are dramatically linked by a bridge over water. One building houses Han’s Rasmus Astrup’s private collection of contemporary art. On view during our visit were galleries devoted to works by Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Matthew Barney, and Francis Bacon. With more than 2,000 pieces in Astrup’s collection, these galleries will change and highlight different artists throughout the year.
 
Another building, which is primarily devoted to traveling exhibitions, featured Cindy Sherman’s grotesque photographs during our visit. The third building is reserved for office use. Find Astrup Fearnley Museum in our Directory.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Architecturally stunning, the Oslo Opera House is situated on the waterfront with dramatic views of the city. This well-used facility designed by famed architecture firm Snøhetta, encourages the public to enjoy its features with activities such as skateboarding, picnicking on the roof, or experiencing “avant-garde” opera productions.
 
 
 

Be prepared to be amazed by the spectacular stage curtain in the theatre, which looks at first to be made of crumpled metal or aluminum but is actually made of fabric, created with a computer-assisted loom by artist Pae White. In this building, there is something for everyone.
 
 
 
 
 
Copenhagen
 
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is a private art museum, approximately a 45-minute drive outside of the city of Copenhagen. In a park-like setting overlooking the sound, Louisiana is renowned for its sculpture collection of Henry Moore, Alexander Calder, Richard Serra, and Alberto Giacometti.
 
 
 
 
Tara Donovan’s elegant constructions and a large Yoko Ono retrospective were on view when we were visiting. Plan to spend hours enjoying the art, eating delicious food in their restaurant, and shopping at Louisiana’s vast museum shop that carries the famed Denmark designs. Find Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in our Directory.
 
 
 
 
 
The Danish Jewish Museum is an architectural jewel designed by Daniel Libeskind. This museum celebrates how the Danish people saved 7,000 jews by transporting them across the water to neutral Sweden during the Second World War.
 
 
The Copenhagen Opera House is an architectural masterpiece by leading Danish architect Henning Larsen. Privately financed, one can only be in awe of how magnificently it represents a new concept as a twenty-first century cultural center. The three large illuminated chandeliers by Olafur Eliasson in the foyer are a visual focal point. These creations reflect light while remaining transparent—fascinating works of art. Because it is such a large, complex, and beautiful structure be sure to book a tour of the Opera House.
 
 
Besides all the new architecture, museums, libraries, and historical points of interest, one must mention the spectacular food and restaurants in both cities. Noma, in Copenhagen, might be the world’s most famous restaurant but be aware there are many delicious eating opportunities. Even the bread with homemade jam that we had for breakfast in our hotel, The Thief in Oslo, was memorable.
 
 

Photo Gallery
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