Architecture

The Twist: The Revolutionary Art Gallery That Changes Architecture

A bridge, a museum, and a masterpiece of contemporary architecture—The Twist is all of these at once. This striking structure is the centerpiece of Norway’s Kistefos Sculpture Park.

Por: Rubén Carrillo
Opened in 2019, The Twist is a must-visit destination, one hour drive from Oslo / Photo The Twist
Opened in 2019, The Twist is a must-visit destination, one hour drive from Oslo / Photo The Twist

Designed by the renowned BIG–Bjarke Ingels Group, The Twist gallery emerges in the heart of a forest in Jevnaker, seamlessly blending art, nature, and innovation. 

 

Opened in 2019, The Twist is a must-visit destination, one hour drive from Oslo.

 

“The Twist is a habitable bridge,” said Bjarke Ingels, the creative mastermind behind the project. 

 

The 1,000-square-meter structure defies conventional design by twisting at its midpoint, allowing it to serve as a bridge and a cultural hub connecting the north and south sides of Kistefos.

 

Visitors entering from the southern side will walk through a sleek steel bridge clad in aluminum, leading to a spacious, double-height hall offering a full view of the architectural wonder. 

 

From the northern entrance, a glass wall provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

 

Including the old cellulose factory and the historic mill that gives Kistefos its industrial heritage.

From the northern entrance, a glass wall provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape / Photo The Twist
From the northern entrance, a glass wall provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape / Photo The Twist

A Museum, a Bridge, and a Sculpture

“The Twist is a hybrid space—simultaneously a museum, a bridge, and an inhabitable sculpture,” explained Ingels. 

 

As a bridge, it reshapes the entire sculpture park, turning the visitor’s journey into a continuous loop accessible from either end.

 

As a museum, its unique windows create three distinct exhibition spaces, each interacting differently with natural light:

 

  • The Vertical Gallery (South Side): Hidden from direct sunlight, illuminated only by artificial lighting.

  • The Horizontal Gallery (North Side): Bathed in natural light with expansive river views.

  • The Central Twist: A dynamic space that seamlessly connects both galleries, featuring a ribbon of twisted light overhead that integrates the building into the park’s artistic landscape.

The Kistefos Sculpture Park, one of the largest in Northern Europe, has become a global cultural tourist destination thanks to this architectural icon.

 

The Park currently features works by renowned artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Pierre Huyghe, Olafur Eliasson, and Claes Oldenburg. 

 

Among this year’s exhibitions will be a solo exhibition of paintings by Christina Quarles, from May 4 to October 12.

As a bridge, it reshapes the entire sculpture park, turning the visitor's journey into a continuous loop accessible from either end / Photo The Twist
As a bridge, it reshapes the entire sculpture park, turning the visitor's journey into a continuous loop accessible from either end / Photo The Twist

An Immersive Experience: Walking Through The Twist

Stepping into The Twist is like walking through the shutter of a camera—each step distorts perspectives as the structure twists around the visitor. 

 

This illusion of motion is not just experienced inside but also visible on the exterior.

 

The façade, composed of aluminum panels stacked like a deck of cards, pays homage to the site’s industrial past while adding a contemporary touch. 

 

The interior mirrors this concept, with white-painted spruce slats covering the walls, ceiling, and floors, creating a seamless visual effect.

 

This flexible design allows the gallery to reconfigure itself according to the changing art exhibitions it will host, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit.

The Twist houses an important collection of contemporary art. Among this year's exhibitions will be a solo exhibition of paintings by Christina Quarles, from May 4 to October 12 / Photo The Twist
The Twist houses an important collection of contemporary art. Among this year's exhibitions will be a solo exhibition of paintings by Christina Quarles, from May 4 to October 12 / Photo The Twist

Basics about The Twist

  • What is The Twist, and where is it located? It is a bridge-museum hybrid located in the Kistefos Sculpture Park in Norway.
  • Who designed The Twist, and what makes it unique? It was designed by BIG–Bjarke Ingels Group, and its defining feature is its twisting shape that connects both sides of the park.
  • What exhibitions will be on display at The Twist? A solo exhibition of paintings by Christina Quarles, from May 4 to October 12.
  • What are the three distinct exhibition spaces inside The Twist? The Vertical Gallery (artificial lighting), the Horizontal Gallery (natural light and river views), and the Central Twist (a dynamic, light-filled space).

If you enjoyed discovering the highlights of The Twist, don’t forget to share this article!. Explore more in our Culture section!

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