The Twist, a Conversation Between River, Art and Architecture
Article
Introduction The Twist, within the Kistefos museum and sculpture park in Norway, cannot be reduced to a simple exhibition hall. It is at once an art gallery, a bridge and a sculpture. This triple identity provides a compelling basis for a visit: you do not merely view artworks, but also move through an architectural gesture that connects the two banks of the Randselva. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), the building is an integral part of the Kistefos route. For those who enjoy taking the time to put words to what they feel, it is a place conducive to quiet discussion: what first catches the eye—the building’s form, the artworks, or the landscape? Impressive features The 1,000 m² structure crosses the Randselva River over a 60 m span and twists at its midpoint. Its 90-degree internal rotation creates a highly distinctive spatial experience, in which points of reference shift gradually rather than abruptly. The Twist brings together three exhibition spaces: the Closed Gallery, the Twist Gallery and the Panorama Gallery. The latter, on the northern side, opens large windows onto the river and surrounding landscape. The architecture therefore connects the enclosed exhibition space with the visible presence of the outdoors. This alternation can encourage visitors to slow down: observe an artwork, look up at the structure, then return their gaze to the water. No specific sensory warning is confirmed in the available information; it is nevertheless reasonable to expect natural light and panoramic views to play a strong part in the Panorama Gallery experience. Main access and transport The site can be accessed through either of Kistefos’s two entrances. The south car park, at Kistefossveien 112, is recommended for visitors arriving from Oslo and for visitors with reduced mobility. The north entrance is at Samsmoveien 41. From Oslo, the VY66 express bus serves Kistefos on certain days during the season and requires advance booking. By car, Kistefos is stated to be around one hour from Oslo. Details not provided, including the exact bus operating days, should be checked with the official website. Once there, bear in mind that The Twist is part of a sculpture park: moving between spaces is part of the experience, although detailed routes are not specified here. Conditions, booking and accessibility The museum recommends the south entrance and car park for visitors with reduced mobility. Accessible toilets are available in The Twist. However, the park paths are gravelled and hilly, and some slopes may be challenging. It is therefore best to approach the visit realistically and choose a comfortable pace for every member of the group. Dogs are not permitted in the buildings, including The Twist Gallery. Electric scooters are allowed in the park but prohibited inside the buildings. Swimming in the river is prohibited because of the strong current: the Randselva is to be enjoyed from the route, without attempting to turn this landscape into a water activity. The policy concerning bags has not been verified in the information provided. Opening hours Information consulted on 11 October 2026 indicates that the 2026 season runs from 9 May to 11 October. For Sunday 11 October, the published weekend opening hours were 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This information is seasonal and does not guarantee opening hours on another date: official information should be checked before travelling. Outside regular opening hours and out of season, the sculpture park remains accessible; a site-entry ticket can be purchased from a machine at one of the entrances. However, the conditions for accessing the inside of The Twist out of season are not specified. You should therefore not assume that the gallery will be open when the park is accessible. Services and panorama The ticket provides access to the entire park and all exhibition spaces, including The Twist. As recorded on 11 October 2026, the adult ticket cost 210 NOK, the senior ticket 180 NOK, and the youth or student ticket for ages 20 to 25 cost 110 NOK, while admission was free for ages 0 to 19. These prices are dated and should be checked again. Advance booking is not required: tickets can be purchased online or at a site entrance. The Twist contains toilets; the lower level is reached via a glass staircase, and its toilets feature works by Tony Oursler. The availability of accessible toilets is confirmed, but any other possible services have not been verified in the available information. Why visit as a pair? For two people, The Twist can become less a visit to be expertly commented on than a space for comparing two ways of paying attention. One person may be drawn to the building’s twist, the other to the Panorama Gallery windows; neither perspective needs to take precedence. Crossing the bridge, pausing by the river, and each choosing an artwork or architectural detail to describe afterwards makes for a shared, simple activity with no need to perform. You may also ask yourselves what this internal rotation changes in the body and in the way one looks. The park offers a way to extend the conversation among the artworks, provided the paths suit everyone’s comfort. This suggestion assumes neither a couple nor any particular closeness: it suits two people who wish to walk, listen and leave equal room for each other in the exchange. Best times and seasons The published 2026 season runs from 9 May to 11 October, clearly placing The Twist within a seasonal rhythm. During regular opening hours, the interior and the three exhibition spaces are part of the advertised experience. Out of season, the sculpture park remains accessible under the stated arrangements, but the opening of The Twist’s interior is not specified. My subjective advice would be to choose a date on which you can proceed without rushing, as the interest of the place lies as much in the transitions between gallery, bridge, river and park as in a quick visit. This suggestion reflects a visiting preference, not official guidance. For an experience focused on the Panorama Gallery, above all check that day’s opening hours rather than inferring interior access from the park’s opening. Practical tips Before setting off, check the opening date, opening hours and prices and, if travelling from Oslo on the VY66 bus, the service days and required booking. For reduced mobility, use the south entrance recommended by the museum and take into account the park’s gravel paths and slopes. Also plan to follow the simple rules that protect the site and other visitors: no dogs in The Twist, no electric scooters in the building, and no swimming in the river. Finally, do not automatically plan on visiting the interior out of season: access to the park is stated, but access to the gallery is not. Perhaps the essential thing is to allow enough time to look without hurrying, then let each person remain free to articulate their own impressions. Sources — checked on 2026-10-11 https://www.kistefosmuseum.com/art/the-twist-gallery https://www.kistefosmuseum.com/visit-kistefos/frequently-asked-questions https://www.kistefosmuseum.com/visit-kistefos/how-to-get-to-kistefos Opening hours, prices and conditions may change: consult the official website before visiting.