"When the municipality decided to redevelop the docklands district, Tjuv holmen, literally 'the island of thieves', it called on the Italian architect Renzo Piano. In 2012, the Astrup Fearnley Museum moved to a splendid building in the shape of a sail reaching out towards the water. We can now show four times as many works from this private collection. After a visit, you can take a break in the museum's glass café, which overlooks the fjord. You can also make a work appointment at the Thief, a nearby establishment affiliated to the Design Hotels, which resembles a small museum. You'll be greeted by a Nikki de Saint Phalle in the lobby, a Warhol in the restaurant... It's well worth the diversions. In the neighbourhood, you can also drop in on gallery owner Peder Lund, whom I really like for the boldness of his choices. When it comes to gastronomy, Oslo has a lot to offer.
Fauna was opened a year ago by two young chefs in their thirties. One trained at the famous Noma in Copenhagen, the other at El Bulli in Catalonia. And they've already been awarded their first Michelin star! Maaemo, another up-and-coming restaurant with a warm atmosphere and 100% organic and local dishes, was awarded two last year. In the adjacent street, you'll find my favourite café-bar, Mekaniske Verksted, a former workshop transformed into a cosy place, with eclectic furniture found here and there. Here you can enjoy a drink in the evening or a coffee during the day. In the same relaxed spirit, I recommend lunch at Mathallen, a recently renovated market hall where restaurants and stalls selling local produce stand side by side. You can try eco-friendly street food at Hitchhiker and buy a brown cheese, the Norwegian speciality, a kind of salted milk jam with a cheesy consistency.
For all the other 'made in Norway' gifts, head for the historic centre and the Moods of Norway shop, where a tractor takes pride of place... painted pink! It symbolises Norway's link with nature, but also the colourful character of this brand of quirky clothes and accessories. Further on, towards the National Theatre, you can stock up on beautiful objects at Norway Designs before packing your bags.
