Is the Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park free?

Yes, the sculpture park is completely free and open to the public 24 hours a day. It features permanent works by world-renowned artists like Louise Bourgeois and Anish Kapoor.

What is the best walking tour Oslo has for art lovers?

The Tjuvholmen art district is the premier choice for contemporary art. This self-guided walking route covers the Astrup Fearnley Museum, private galleries like Brandstrup, and the outdoor sculpture park.

Can I swim at Tjuvholmen?

Yes, there is a public pebble beach and several swimming docks at the end of the island. It is a very popular spot for locals during the summer months.

Who designed the Astrup Fearnley Museum?

The museum was designed by the world-famous Italian architect Renzo Piano. He is also known for the Centre Pompidou in Paris and The Shard in London.

What does Tjuvholmen mean?

Tjuvholmen translates to 'Thief Island.' In the 18th century, it was used as a place of execution and a haunt for criminals before being turned into a shipyard and eventually an art district.

Is Tjuvholmen accessible for wheelchairs?

Absolutely, Tjuvholmen is one of the most accessible areas in Oslo. The entire district is built on a flat plane with wide, paved paths and ramps connecting the different island sections.

What is the best time of day to visit Tjuvholmen?

Late afternoon or early evening is ideal. The setting sun reflects beautifully off the glass buildings and the fjord, and the area remains vibrant as people gather for dinner at local restaurants.

Tjuvholmen: Art on the Edge | Walking Tour

About This Tour

Tjuvholmen, or 'Thief Island,' was once a gritty dockland where criminals were banished. Today, it stands as Oslo's most ambitious architectural and artistic statement. This self-guided walk invites you to explore a neighborhood where the fjord meets cutting-edge design, transforming a former industrial zone into a world-class outdoor gallery. As you begin your self-guided adventure, you will notice how the district is divided into three distinct islands, each connected by elegant bridges and unified by a commitment to aesthetic excellence. The transformation of this area is a testament to Oslo's urban renewal, blending luxury living with public accessibility. This walking route highlights the seamless integration of private galleries and public spaces. You will encounter the work of Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano, whose sail-inspired museum design has become a symbol of the modern city. Beyond the major institutions, the neighborhood stroll reveals hidden details in the buildings themselves, from the dark, textured brickwork to the glass facades that reflect the shifting light of the Oslofjord. Whether you are a dedicated art enthusiast or simply looking for a scenic neighborhood stroll, the Tjuvholmen art district offers a unique perspective on Norwegian culture. You can wander through the sculpture park, peer into high-end galleries, and even dip your toes in the water at the city's edge. This walking tour Oslo experience allows you to discover the stories behind the sculptures and the visionaries who reimagined this coastline. It is a place where the history of the harbor meets the future of the city, making it a must-see for anyone interested in architecture and contemporary art. By choosing this independent walking route, you can linger at your favorite installations and take in the maritime atmosphere at your own pace, away from the hustle of the city center while remaining just minutes from Aker Brygge.

Highlights

Renzo Piano’s sail-shaped Astrup Fearnley Museum

The panoramic views from the Tjuvtitten observation tower

Curated contemporary art inside the iconic 'THE THIEF' hotel

Major Norwegian and international works at Galleri Brandstrup

World-class outdoor sculptures in the Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park

The unique urban beach and fjord-side swimming spots

Tour Stops (5)

Astrup Fearnley Museum Of Modern Art

Start exploring with Zigway at the Astrup Fearnley Museum, an architectural masterpiece designed by Renzo Piano. Completed in 2012, the building is split into two halves by a canal, connected by a glass roof shaped like a sail. The use of weathered aspen wood cladding reflects the maritime history of the area. This museum is the heart of Tjuvholmen's art scene, housing one of Europe's most comprehensive private collections of contemporary art. Notice how the roof curves down to meet the ground, blurring the line between the structure and the surrounding parkland. It is a landmark of 'fjord-modernism' that redefined Oslo's skyline.

Tjuvtitten

Standing 90 meters tall, the Tjuvtitten observation tower offers a literal 'thief's peek' at the city. The name translates to 'The Peeping Thief,' a playful nod to the island's criminal past. While the tower itself is a modern glass-enclosed lift, it serves as a vertical landmark for the district. From the base, you can appreciate the density of the surrounding architecture, where every building has been designed by a different architect to ensure a diverse urban landscape. Look out toward the Akershus Fortress and the distant hills of Nordmarka to see how Tjuvholmen acts as a gateway between the historical city and the natural fjord.

THE THIEF

This is not just a hotel; it is a curated art experience. THE THIEF has transformed the concept of luxury by treating its common areas and rooms as gallery spaces. The art is hand-picked by Sune Nordgren, the former director of Norway’s National Museum. As you walk past, you might spot works by Andy Warhol or Julian Opie through the large glass windows. The building's dark, gold-toned facade was designed by Mellbye Architects to stand out from the lighter buildings nearby. It sits on the spot where the city's outcasts were once sent, now replaced by international celebrities and art collectors.

Galleri Brandstrup AS

Located in a sleek, minimalist space, Galleri Brandstrup is one of Norway's most influential contemporary art galleries. It represents both established international stars and the most promising Norwegian talent. The gallery's presence here is a key reason Tjuvholmen is considered the gallery district of Oslo. The large windows are designed to invite the public to look in, reinforcing the neighborhood's philosophy that high art should be visible to everyone, not just those behind closed doors. The rotating exhibitions here often set the tone for the national art conversation, featuring everything from sculpture to digital media.

Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park

Conclude your neighborhood stroll at the Sculpture Park, where the art literally meets the water. This green space, also designed by Renzo Piano, features world-class permanent installations by artists like Louise Bourgeois, Antony Gormley, and Anish Kapoor. One of the most famous pieces is Bourgeois' 'Eyes,' two large granite spheres that gaze out over the water. The park is unique because it combines high-end art with a public pebble beach and swimming docks. It is the perfect place to sit and reflect on the blend of nature, architecture, and creativity that defines modern Oslo.

Frequently Asked Questions

A focused walk takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This allows for time to admire the outdoor sculptures, take photos of the Renzo Piano architecture, and perhaps peek into a few gallery windows.