About Henie Onstad Kunstsenter
Henie Onstad Kunstsenter (the Henie Onstad Art Centre) is one of the most important modern and contemporary art museums in Scandinavia, and a hidden gem for visitors who venture slightly beyond Oslo's city limits. Located on the Høvikodden peninsula in Bærum — a 15-minute bus ride from Oslo S — the museum sits dramatically on a rocky promontory overlooking the Oslo Fjord, with a setting that rivals any art museum in Europe for sheer natural beauty.
The museum was founded in 1968 by Norwegian figure skating legend Sonja Henie (three-time Olympic champion) and her husband Niels Onstad, who donated their significant collection of modern international art to the Norwegian state. The collection — built from the 1950s onwards — is particularly strong in French modernism, abstract expressionism, and Scandinavian avant-garde work. It includes works by Picasso, Miró, Matisse, Léger, and major Norwegian artists of the 20th century.
Beyond the permanent collection, Henie Onstad hosts an ambitious programme of temporary exhibitions featuring major international and Norwegian contemporary artists, performances, film, and music events. The museum is as much a cultural centre as a gallery, with a lively calendar of events throughout the year. The cafe and terrace overlooking the fjord make it an excellent full-day destination, particularly in summer when the surrounding parkland is beautiful.
What to See: Highlights
- Sonja Henie's personal modern art collection
- French modernism: Picasso, Miró, Matisse, Léger
- Scandinavian avant-garde works
- Major international temporary exhibitions
- Dramatic waterfront location on the Oslo Fjord
- Fjord terrace and sculpture garden
Buy Henie Onstad Kunstsenter Tickets
Check availability and book online to secure entry, particularly for major temporary exhibitions which can draw significant crowds.
Prices may vary. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. DisclosureSonja Henie: The Story Behind the Museum
Sonja Henie (1912–1969) was one of the most celebrated athletes of the 20th century — a three-time Olympic figure skating champion (1928, 1932, 1936) who then became a major Hollywood film star. Her international success made her enormously wealthy, and she and her husband Niels Onstad became significant art collectors, focusing particularly on post-war European modernism.
Henie died tragically of leukaemia in 1969, the year after the art centre opened. She never saw the museum in full operation, but her vision — to share her collection with the Norwegian public in a beautiful setting — has been brilliantly realised. The museum's waterfront location was personally chosen by Henie for its spectacular fjord views.
Oslo Modern Art Tours
- 🎧 Expert-guided modern art tours
- 👥 Small group experiences
- 🌟 Private Oslo art tours
- 🌎 Combined Oslo galleries day tours
Getting to Henie Onstad Kunstsenter
The museum is in Høvikodden in Bærum, approximately 15 km west of Oslo city centre. Take Bus 160 from Oslo S (Central Station) towards Sandvika and exit at the Høvikodden stop — the journey takes about 15–20 minutes and the bus runs regularly. Note that the Oslo Pass does not cover travel to Bærum (you will need a standard public transport ticket or Ruter pass).
By car, the museum is approximately 20 minutes from Oslo city centre, with parking available on site.
Hotels in Oslo for Art Lovers
Find well-placed hotels for exploring Oslo's art museums — from the waterfront Astrup Fearnley to the National Museum to Henie Onstad.
🏠 Find Hotels in Oslo →Henie Onstad Kunstsenter: FAQ
No — Henie Onstad Kunstsenter is located in Bærum municipality, outside Oslo, and is not included in the Oslo Pass. Standard admission applies (~180 NOK adult). The bus journey from Oslo S is also not covered by the Oslo Pass and requires a standard Ruter ticket.
Sonja Henie (1912–1969) was a Norwegian figure skating legend who won three consecutive Olympic gold medals (1928, 1932, 1936) and then became a major Hollywood film star. Together with her husband Niels Onstad, she built a significant collection of modern art and founded this art centre, which opened in 1968.
Take Bus 160 from Oslo S towards Sandvika and exit at Høvikodden. The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes. Buses run regularly throughout the day. By car it is about 20 minutes from central Oslo.
The permanent collection focuses on modern art from the 1950s and 60s, particularly French modernism (Picasso, Miró, Matisse, Léger) and Scandinavian avant-garde works. The collection was personally assembled by Sonja Henie and Niels Onstad and donated to Norway.
Yes — the museum has a cafe with a wonderful fjord-view terrace, particularly enjoyable in summer. It serves meals and snacks, making a visit easy to extend into a full day trip from Oslo.
