Henie Onstad Kunstsenter

General information

Henie Onstad Kunstsenter (HOK) was established in 1968 as a donation of the collectors Sonja Henie and Niels Onstad. The choice of “Kunstsenter,” rather than “museum,” was deliberate, signaling that HOK was to be not only a keeper of a strong modern European core collection, but also a producer of contemporary, experimental art.

Today HOK is one of Norway’s leading venues for Norwegian and International contemporary and 20th century art. The Kunstsenter is an active arena for debate and social critique, with a broad commitment to the arts and its audience. Its expertise, collections and historical identity lie in the interdisciplinary field, with special emphasis on the relationship between art, music, performance and the historical avant-garde.

The HOK collection consists of more than 4000 objects, ranging from its core collection of high modernist work—with a focus on the French School with Pierre Soulages, Maurice Estève, Hans Hartung, Picasso, Matisse, Juan Gris et al to special collections of the Fluxus and Cobra movements, as well as a permanent sculpture garden. Selections from the collection are always on display and the archive is made available for researchers upon request. HOK mediates and develops its collection in line with the foundation's mission statement and CIMAMs guidelines, with a close eye to contemporary movements.

HOK is a major supporter of artists in the production of new art and new expressions, and works actively to create new knowledge that is communicated through papers, catalogs and anthologies, published internationally. HOK collaborates actively with other art and educational institutions internationally to co-produce exhibitions, seminars and publications.

Prisma records (a HOK label) continues its singular tradition of releasing unique, commissioned, new and historic works by experimental and electronic sound artists, many of which accompany exhibitions at HOK. HOK is located on the Oslo Fjord peninsula, approximately 10 km south of Oslo. The art center is a popular destination and its scenic location and distinctive building bring together unique qualities of Norway. The Director since August 2011 is Tone Hansen.