Ekebergparken

A place to unwind, enjoy nature and expirience art

In 2014 we already enjoyed a sculpture network Experience in one of Norway's largest sculpture parks. This experience has remained in our memory. Today we would like to give you an understanding of our impressions and draw your attention to new works of art.

In the east of Oslo there is a 63 hectare wooded area, today called Ekebergparken, which was first opened as a recreational park for the city's population in 1889. During the Second World War, when the German occupation alienated the parking area, it became a defensive base and finally a cemetery of honour for soldiers killed in the war.

Ekebergparken was reopened as a recreation and sculpture park in 2013. It not only contains 37 works of art by renowned artists representing the last 130 years of European art history, but also offers breathtaking views of the Oslofjord and relaxing forests and meadows. Thus Ekebergparken combines history, nature and art in a wonderful way and promises a triple experience for its visitors. 

One of the latest acquisitions is a sculpture by the Norwegian-Danish artist duo Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset, who have been working together since 1995. Their work often criticizes institutionalized systems and challenges the viewer's perception of space. With Dilemma, they capture an everyday scene and therefore break with the tradition of classical sculpture: pushed to the end of a springboard, a boy stands in a crooked position. Excited and afraid at the same time he hesitates - should he jump or not? As a metaphor for growing up, the sculpture shows that entering adulthood - and the associated opportunities, but also expectations - costs quite an effort. What is going to happen? Does the boy jump into the unknown? Or does he turn around and climb back down the ladder? Questions with which we are left alone - because the boy remains in eternal indecision.

Another eye-catcher is the light installation by James Turrell. The American artist has been working with light, colours and space for many years and wants to involve the viewer with his installations. In 2013 Turrell used the park's old water reservoir to integrate two fixed installations in Ekebergpark:  In Ganzfeld: Double Visions he uses colours to influence our perception. And during sunrise and sunset Skyspace: The Color Beneath creates a fascinating harmony between the viewer’s surrounding and the sky above. To understand how fascinating colour, light and space work together one has to experience Turrell's installations for oneself.

Other site-specific works include those by Norwegian sculptors such as Gustav Vigeland, Aase Texmon Rygh and Per Inge Bjørlo, as well as works by other international artists: Auguste Rodin, Louise Bourgeois, Sarah Lucas, Sarah Sze, Tony Oursler and George Cutt (among others).

There is an incredible amount to discover, one surprise after the other - and there is plenty of time for that, because the park is open 24 hours a day. The sculptures harmony with the nature of the park, so you will leave the park completely relaxed and refreshed - perhaps even inspired. So coming back is a must! Not least because Ekebergparken is not a completed project: In the future, the number of sculptures is to increase to 80.