Kistefos Museum, Jevnaker, Norway

On our return drive to Oslo we took a slight detour and stopped at this unique museum. Why so far from Oslo. Because it is built on the site of an old wood pulp mill over 130 years ago. A/S Kistefos Træsliberi was established by consul Anders Sveaas in 1889, a company that produced wood pulp at the site from 1889 to the mid-1950s. The production at Kistefos stopped in 1955, but the buildings and machines have been set in motion once again, creating a living factory for Kistefos´ visitors. Kistefos, as we know it today, was established in 1996 by Norwegian businessman and art collector Christen Sveaas, grandson of Anders Sveaas. The mill itself has been left intact with some displays of how it used to work. The industrial history is a running theme throughout the park and is inextricably linked to Kistefos´ history. The river Randselva runs through the entire area and was in the early days the very foundation for the industry at the site. Today, it materializes as a beautiful and soothing signature.

Every year, Kistefos presents new art exhibitions by highly recognized national and international artists in our two galleries, The Twist and Nybruket Gallery. The architectural masterpiece The Twist is both a gallery, a bridge, and a sculpture, all in one. The 1.000 square meters building takes a sculptural form, twisting at the midway point as it crosses the Randselva river to connect the north and south sides - turning the journey through the park into a loop. The Twist is designed by BIG - Bjarke Ingels and is a unique exhibition space with varied light sources and view over the river. Nybruket Gallery is located in one of the old factory buildings of A/S Kistefos Træsliberi. The factory heritage has been preserved, creating a beautiful framework for art. Finally, there is a large sculpture garden that for me was the best part. Many of the sculptures are playful and the setting is absolutely gorgeous.