The Kunstsilo, a Nordic Art Stronghold

Does Nordic art exist? If so, how important is it in art history? The Nordic countries, which include Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway , Sweden and their overseas territories, Greenland, the Faroe Islands and the Åland archipelago, became a social model in the course of the 20th century , but what is their standing in the art world? The Kunstsilo, which opened on May 11 in Kristiansand, a seaside resort on the Southern tip of Norway, seeks to answer those complex questions. The ingenious idea of creating an unprecedented 20th-century Nordic art museum is the brainchild of financier Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norway’s sovereign fund (Norges Bank Investment Management). An ambitious public-private partnership in almost equal parts funded the project. The 21-meter-high (nearly 69 feet-high) lobby at the heart of the 3,300m2 (35,521 ft2) exhibition space spread out over three floors and 25 rooms, some with natural light, is the most impressive part of the building. Want to receive news and updates about auctions? Sign up for our newsletter …