Five must-see sculpture parks in Oslo
Written by Alyssa Nilsen | Photos: Unsplash
Norwegians love their art, and even though Vigelandsparken is Oslo’s oldest and most famous sculpture park, there are several more scattered around the city. Some are pure sculpture parks, and some are leisure parks with the added touch of art. Here are five sculpture parks worth visiting during your stay in Oslo.
1. Ekebergparken Skulpturpark
Idyllically placed in one of the woods-clad Oslo hills, Ekebergparken Skulpturpark opened in 2013 and aims to unite art, history and nature and give its visitors an unforgettable experience. The femalethemed sculptures have earned the park the nickname Kvinneparken (The women’s park), and in addition to the sculpture trail, make sure you take the time to enjoy the stunning views of the city. So far, there are around 40 sculptures on display, but more are to be added over the next few decades.
Ekebergparken is open to visitors all day every day and is free of charge. Guided tours are available in the summer. Trams # 18 and 19 stop at Ekebergparken.
Sculpture showing two figures.
2. Rommensletta Skulpturpark
In Groruddalen in the northeastern part of Oslo, a brand-new sculpture park opened in 2013. Originally used as a rubbish tip in the ‘60s, Rommensletta now hosts areas for sports and exercise, hikes, a playground and water features, in addition to the sculpture park. At the time of the opening, the art on display was from the decades between 1960 and 2010, representing the history of the palace through that time.
Rommensletta is open to visitors all year round. The L1 train towards Lillestrøm takes you to the Haugenstua, a six-minute walk away from the park, and buses # 5N, 64B, 65, 67 and 345 stop at Smestua, a fiveminute walk away.
3. Peer Gynt-parken
Peer Gynt is one of the most famous fictional characters to have come out of Norway, and at Løren in the northeast of Oslo, Ibsen’s mischievous character has his own park. 20 sculptures show scenes from the world-famous play, taking the visitors on a trip through Ibsen’s and Peer Gynt’s universe. The sculptures are made in different styles, materials and sizes, by artists from nine different countries. Sculpture walks and other events take place in the park, for those who want a deeper insight into the sculptures and the history.
Peer Gynt-parken is open to visitors all year and is free of charge. Guided tours are available and the park even has its own app, available on App Store. Metro # 4 stops at Løren, a few minutes’ walk away from the park.
4. Tjuvholmen Skulpturpark
In addition to designing the majestic Astrup Fearnley museum, world-famous architect Renzo Piano also designed the area and park surrounding the museum. The sculpture park, with its fjord views, consists of seven pieces made by famous international contemporary artists Louise Bourgeois, Peter Fischli and David Weiss, Antony Gormley, Anish Kapoor, Ellsworth Kelly, Ugo Rondinone, and Franz West. Though not very big, the park is popular amongst tourists, families with children, and people wanting to soak up the sun by the fjord. A tiny beach is also part of the area, where children in particular can have a safe dip in the fjord.
Tjuvholmen Skulpturpark is open to visitors all day every day and is free of charge. Bus # 54 stops near Tjuvholmen Skulpturpark.
5. The Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park
The Royal Palace Gardens isn’t just a lush green park encircling the Royal Palace – it also contains The Princess Ingrid Alexandra Sculpture Park, a sculpture park containing art by, and for, children. The 12 playful sculptures were all created as the result of a nationwide competition among fifth- and sixth-graders. The winners’ ideas were turned into sculptures by professional artists and are full of colour, life and imagination, inviting children and adults to play and interact with them. They are also, of course, highly Instagram-worthy.
The Royal Palace Gardens is open to visitors all year and is free of charge. All metro lines and trams # 11, 17 and 18 stop near The Royal Palace Gardens.
The Monolith in Vigelandsparken consists of 121 figures.
For good deals on transport and experiences, buy an Oslo Pass lasting 24, 48 or 72 hours. The pass includes travel on all public transport across the city as well as suburbs and districts (Oslo as well as Lillestrøm, Nittedal, Asker, Ski, Nesodden and Drøbak), and includes free access to several museums and attractions, as well as discounted restaurants, sightseeing and activities. The Oslo pass is available online below.
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