Astrup Fearnley Museet

Background Astrup Fearnley Museet was founded in 1993 and the institution has played a central role in the development of the contemporary art field in Norway. In addition to presenting Norwegian art on a large scale, it was here that the Norwegian audience first had the opportunity to experience ambitious and relevant art projects from the international art scene. With this perspective, the museum has a greater awareness of contemporary art in Norway. The museum was established by Hans Rasmus Astrup, who since the end of the 60’s built an extensive collection of international contemporary art. The collection was managed by the museum, while Astrup continued to develop the collection.

The Collection The museum holds the extensive Astrup Fearnley Collection, which includes significant works by artists such as Matthew Barney, Paul Chan, Trisha Donnelly, Ida Ekblad, Matias Faldbakken, Robert Gober, Félix González-Torres, Rachel Harrison, Damien Hirst, Jeff Koons, Glenn Ligon, Bjarne Melgaard, Julie Mehretu, and Cindy Sherman. The museum presents changing exhibitions that both draw on the collection and new commissions by artists from all over the world. The museum is characterized by its active and ambitious exhibition program, and is an independent, academic museum with a significant contribution to the public.

A relevant collection with perspective of eternity In recent decades, the museum has gone through several structural and organizational changes. In 2012 the museum moved into a new and extensive museum building located on Tjuvholmen, designed by the architect Renzo Piano. The Hans Rasmus Astrup Foundation was established by Mr. Hans Rasmus Astrup in 2013. The Foundation is an ideal foundation. It aims to support cultural initiatives, including in particular the Astrup Fearnley Collection of Norwegian and international art that is at the disposal of the Astrup Fearnley Museum.

Photo: Cornelius Poppe / NTB