Through her successful life as a figure skater, Hollywood actress and business woman, Sonja Henie (1912-1969) was one of the great Norwegian icons of the 1900's.

Niels Onstad (1909-1978) was an active football player, peaking during the Norwegian Championship in 1928 during which he played for the Lyn football club. However, he is best known for his prowess as ship owner and art collector.

Responding to a request from Kunstnernes Hus in Oslo in 1959, the Sonja Henie and Niels Onstad decided to make their collection available to the public.