Art Experiences in Vestfold

Discover art in Vestfold and go on an art trip! From Edvard Munch’s house in Åsgårdstrand to Haugar Art Museum in Tønsberg, photography at Preus Museum, sculpture parks in Sandefjord, Odd Nerdrum’s paintings, street art and local galleries. Here, art is alive both in nature and in the small towns.

Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch spent many summers in Åsgårdstrand, even while living a restless life across Europe in cities like Paris, Berlin, Dresden, and Rome. In 1898, he bought a small wooden house in Åsgårdstrand – his hideaway by the Oslofjord.

From this house, you can still recognize the landscapes from his paintings: the pebbled shoreline, shimmering moonlight, and coastal scenery. These motifs are central in his famous Frieze of Life.

Munch’s house has been a museum for more than 70 years. Visitors can step into the artist’s “little house of happiness” and follow in his footsteps along the coast, either on a guided tour or with a map.

Haugar Art Museum in Tønsberg

Haugar Art Museum is a striking red-brick building between Tønsberg’s city centre and Slottsfjell. Inside you’ll find an exciting mix of Norwegian and international contemporary art.

Pop icon Andy Warhol admired Edvard Munch and created a series of works inspired by him. Thirteen of these, along with Warhol’s portrait of Queen Sonja, are part of Haugar’s permanent exhibition.

Alongside its collection, Haugar hosts changing exhibitions throughout the year, making it one of the top art museums in Vestfold.

🎨 Haugar Art Museum host exhibitions and events throughout the year – a must visit for all art enthusiasts visiting the area.

Preus Museum: The National Photo Museum in Horten

Located at Karljohansvern in Horten, Preus Museum is Norway’s national museum of photography. Its permanent exhibition take you on a journey through photography’s history, from camera obscura to today’s smartphone photography.

The museum also offers themed exhibitions, a cozy café, and a well-stocked gift shop for photo enthusiasts.

Nerdrum Museum, Stavern

The Nerdrum Museum located in the idyllic village of Stavern, is dedicated to one of Norway’s most renowned contemporary painters, Odd Nerdrum.

Known for his figurative, timeless style, Nerdrum draws inspiration from classical masters while exploring themes of humanity, mythology, and the raw drama of nature.

Nerdrummuseet

The museum offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience his powerful works in an intimate setting, surrounded by the landscapes that have shaped much of his art.

🎨 In Stavern for the art? Take a break at Havfuglen – the cute coffeshop next door run by the Nerdrum family – or check out the rest of Sjøparkens amenities.

Sculputres and Nature

Midtåsen Sculpture Pavilion & Park in Sandefjord

On the hillside above Sandefjord lies Midtåsen, once the estate of shipowner Anders Jahre. Today, it is open to the public with walking paths, viewpoints and spectacular art.

At its heart is the glass-walled sculpture pavilion, where Knut Steen’s marble works meet the surrounding forest and fjord views. Sixteen of his bronze sculptures are also displayed throughout the park, creating a unique art and nature experience.

“The Path for the Eye” in Stokke

In Stokke, the trail Sti for Øye (“Path for the Eye”) combines contemporary sculptures with Vestfold’s beautiful forest landscape. Twelve international artists have contributed to this two-kilometre walk, open year-round.

The Poetry Park in Larvik

In Larvik, the Poetry Park places inspiring quotes and poems around the city, turning everyday walks into artistic encounters.

Terje Svendsen

Street Art (for All) in Sandefjord

Since 2017, Art for All has filled Sandefjord with international street art. Ten large murals still decorate the city centre, making it an open-air gallery easy to explore on foot.

Local Art Galleries in Vestfold

Sandefjord Art Association ocated next to Scandic Park Hotel, showcases professional art by local, national, and international artists. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday and also hosts courses and lectures.

There are plenty of cute little galleries to explore around the Vestfold towns. Check out some of them👇

In Vestfold, art isn’t just inside museums. It lives in houses, forests, city walls, and coastal landscapes—waiting for you to discover.