About Astrup Fearnley Museum
The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art is Oslo’s foremost institution for international contemporary art. Founded in 1993, the museum moved to its landmark waterfront building in 2012, when architect Renzo Piano’s design — a sweeping complex of wooden roofs, glass facades, and canals — transformed an industrial harbour site into a world-class cultural destination.
The permanent collection focuses on postwar and contemporary international art from the 1960s to the present, with major works by Jeff Koons (including his iconic ceramic Michael Jackson and Bubbles), Cindy Sherman, Matthew Barney, Damien Hirst, Sigmar Polke, and other art world giants. The collection is one of the most significant private contemporary art collections in Northern Europe.
Temporary exhibitions regularly bring cutting-edge international artists to Oslo, giving the museum a dynamic programme that changes throughout the year. The building’s architecture is itself remarkable — the wooden roofs, indoor canals, and waterfront sculpture terrace make the Astrup Fearnley one of the most photogenic museum buildings in Scandinavia.
What to See: Highlights
- Jeff Koons — Michael Jackson and Bubbles (permanent collection)
- Cindy Sherman large-format photography
- Matthew Barney works from the Cremaster cycle
- Renzo Piano architectural landmark building
- Waterfront sculpture terrace with fjord views
- World-class rotating temporary exhibitions
- Tjuvholmen neighbourhood — Oslo’s design and gallery district
Skip the Queue — Buy Astrup Fearnley Museum Tickets in Advance
Booking online guarantees your entry and skips the ticket queue — especially important in summer and on weekends in Oslo.
Prices may vary. Booking fees may apply. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. DisclosureIs Astrup Fearnley Museum Included in the Oslo Pass?
✗ Astrup Fearnley Museum is not currently included in the standard Oslo Pass. Adult admission is 175 NOK. Check the Oslo Pass website for the latest coverage updates.
🔑 Get the Oslo Pass — From 495 NOK/day Affiliate link. Commission earned at no extra cost to you. DisclosureVisitor Tips for Astrup Fearnley Museum
Thursday and Friday evenings: The museum is open until 19:00 on Thursdays and Fridays, making these the best times to visit with fewer crowds and beautiful late-afternoon light over Tjuvholmen harbour.
Explore the neighbourhood: Tjuvholmen is one of Oslo’s most architecturally interesting districts. After the museum, walk along the free sculpture beach (Tjuvholmen Skulpturpark), explore the design shops and galleries, and enjoy the waterfront restaurants.
Note: not in the Oslo Pass: The Astrup Fearnley Museum is one of the few major Oslo museums NOT included in the Oslo Pass. Check the Oslo Pass website for any coverage updates before your visit.
Guided Tours Including Astrup Fearnley Museum
- 🎧 Audio guide tours available on-site
- 👥 Small group tours (max 12 people)
- 🌟 Private guided experiences
- 🌎 Combined Oslo museum day tours
Getting to Astrup Fearnley Museum
The Astrup Fearnley Museum is on Tjuvholmen, a small peninsula extending from Aker Brygge into Oslo Fjord. From Aker Brygge, it’s a 10-minute walk along the waterfront promenade. From the National Museum, it’s about 15 minutes on foot.
By tram, take route 12 to the Aker Brygge stop (about 15 minutes from the city centre), then walk 10 minutes along the harbour. Bus routes 30 and 31 also stop at Aker Brygge.
Best Hotels Near Astrup Fearnley Museum
Stay within easy reach and make the most of your Oslo museum visit. Check Booking.com for current rates and availability:
🏠 Find Hotels Near Astrup Fearnley Museum →Astrup Fearnley Museum: Frequently Asked Questions
No — the Astrup Fearnley Museum is not currently included in the standard Oslo Pass. It is one of the few major Oslo museums not covered. Adult admission is 175 NOK (free for under 18s). Check the Oslo Pass website for any updates.
Jeff Koons is one of the most famous contemporary American artists, known for large-scale sculptures that blur the line between high art and popular culture. The Astrup Fearnley collection includes several major Koons works, including the iconic ceramic statue of Michael Jackson with his pet chimpanzee Bubbles — one of the most recognisable contemporary artworks in existence.
Tjuvholmen (literally ‘Thieves’ Island’) is a recently developed waterfront district built on a former industrial harbour site. Today it is home to the Astrup Fearnley Museum, high-end apartments, galleries, design shops, restaurants, and a free outdoor sculpture park.
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours. Checking what temporary exhibitions are showing before your visit ensures you see the museum at its most current.
Parking in central Oslo is limited and expensive. We strongly recommend using public transport or cycling. Aker Brygge underground car park is the closest option, about a 10-minute walk from the museum.
