Stockholm's art scene is dynamic and diverse, offering everything from cutting-edge contemporary galleries to museums packed with classic masterpieces. These twelve art museums showcase the best of local and international creativity, from photography to Nordic painting.
Read more about Stockholm:
Moderna Museet: Where Modern Art Thrives
Stockholm's Moderna Museet is a true powerhouse in modern and contemporary art in Sweden and across Europe. Founded in 1958, the museum offers an extraordinary collection of works from the early 20th century to the present day. You'll find pieces by modern masters like Picasso, Matisse, and Kandinsky alongside works by contemporary visionaries such as Louise Bourgeois and Ai Weiwei. The museum regularly curates temporary exhibitions exploring new ideas and techniques in art. The outdoor sculpture park, with works from artists such as Calder, complements the interior galleries, making it a dynamic environment for art lovers. Its setting on Skeppsholmen Island also allows visitors to enjoy beautiful city views and archipelago views.
Address: Exercisplan 4, Skeppsholmen
Website: www.modernamuseet.se
How to Get There: Take bus 65 to the "Moderna Museet" stop or walk 10 minutes from Kungsträdgården metro station.
Nationalmuseum: Sweden's Artistic Crown Jewel
After a multi-year renovation, Nationalmuseum reopened in 2018 as one of Stockholm's most important art institutions. The museum's vast collection spans from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, offering visitors a chance to experience various artistic styles and periods. The collection includes major works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Goya, alongside critical pieces from Swedish masters like Carl Larsson and Anders Zorn. In addition to its permanent collections, the Nationalmuseum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on various themes in art history, design, and applied arts. Its beautiful, bright interiors and waterfront location make it one of Stockholm's most attractive cultural destinations.
Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen 2
Website: www.nationalmuseum.se
How to Get There: Walk from Kungsträdgården metro station.
Fotografiska: The Power of Photography
Fotografiska is a must-visit for anyone with an interest in photography. This contemporary museum has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the world's leading photography spaces. With no permanent collection, Fotografiska focuses on rotating exhibitions featuring well-known photographers and rising stars. Past exhibitions have showcased works by icons like Annie Leibovitz and David LaChapelle, along with cutting-edge photographers pushing the boundaries of the medium. The museum also hosts evening talks and workshops that give visitors more profound insights into the art of photography. The venue's café and restaurant, with stunning views over Stockholm's harbour, make it a perfect stop for art lovers and food enthusiasts.
Address: Stadsgårdshamnen 22
Website: www.fotografiska.com
How to Get There: Take bus 2, 55, or 76 to the "Fotografiska" stop.
Thielska Galleriet: Nordic Art Gem
Located in a beautiful mansion on Djurgården Island, Thielska Galleriet is a treasure trove of Nordic art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was once the home of banker and art collector Ernest Thiel, whose personal collection of works by Edvard Munch, August Strindberg, and Carl Larsson forms the backbone of the museum. The gallery's intimate setting makes it a perfect space for quiet contemplation, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the art on display. Beyond the permanent collection, Thielska Galleriet hosts temporary exhibitions that often highlight different aspects of Nordic art, making it an essential stop for those interested in Scandinavian culture.
Address: Sjötullsbacken 8, Djurgården
Website: www.thielskagalleriet.se
How to Get There: Take tram 7 to the "Blockhusudden" stop or bus 69.
Liljevalchs Konsthall: A Contemporary Hub
Located in the heart of Djurgården, Liljevalchs Konsthall is known for its daring and innovative approach to contemporary art. The museum's exhibitions often push the boundaries of traditional art forms, showcasing everything from conceptual installations to experimental video works. One of the year's highlights is the annual "Vårsalongen" (Spring Salon), which gives established and emerging Swedish artists a platform to display their work. The open, airy design of the museum makes it a welcoming space for visitors, and its commitment to showcasing fresh, new perspectives ensures there's always something exciting on display.
Address: Djurgårdsvägen 60
Website: www.liljevalchs.se
How to Get There: Take tram 7 to the "Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund" stop.
Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde: Royal Art Collection
Situated on the beautiful Djurgården Island, Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde was once the home of Prince Eugen, a passionate artist and art collector. His former residence has been transformed into a museum, displaying his personal collection of artworks along with his own paintings. The museum's location, overlooking Stockholm's harbour, makes it an idyllic spot for art lovers seeking to escape the bustle of the city. In addition to the permanent collection, which includes works by some of Sweden's most renowned artists, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions focusing on historical and contemporary art. The surrounding gardens, filled with sculptures, provide visitors another layer of artistic beauty to enjoy.
Address: Prins Eugens Väg 6, Djurgården
Website: www.waldemarsudde.se
How to Get There: Take tram 7 to the "Waldemarsudde" stop.
Artipelag: Where Nature Meets Art
For those willing to venture just outside Stockholm, Artipelag offers a unique fusion of contemporary art, nature, and architecture. Set amidst the stunning Stockholm archipelago, this museum is known for its large-scale exhibitions featuring internationally acclaimed artists. Archipelagos architecture blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings, creating a space where art and nature coexist harmoniously. Visitors can explore the museum's indoor galleries, enjoy site-specific outdoor installations, and even walk along its scenic nature trails. The museum also features a top-notch restaurant, making it a perfect day trip for those looking to combine art with nature.
Address: Artipelagstigen 1, Gustavsberg
Website: www.artipelag.se
How to Get There: Take bus 474 from Slussen to "Hålludden" or use Artipelag's seasonal boat service.
Millesgården: Sculptures and Sea Views
Once the home and studio of Swedish sculptor Carl Milles, Millesgården is now an open-air museum that celebrates his life and work. Located on Lidingö Island, the museum offers breathtaking views over the Stockholm archipelago, creating a serene backdrop for its impressive collection of sculptures. Milles' monumental works, many displayed in the garden, are complemented by the museum's indoor galleries, which host temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. The combination of Milles' classical sculptures with the natural beauty of the surroundings makes Millesgården a must-visit for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Address: Herserudsvägen 32, Lidingö
Website: www.millesgarden.se
How to Get There: Take bus 201 from Ropsten metro station to the "Millesgården" stop.
Bonniers Konsthall: The Cutting Edge of Contemporary Art
Housed in a striking glass building, Bonniers Konsthall is one of Stockholm's premier venues for contemporary art, known for its commitment to showcasing innovative and experimental works worldwide. The museum consistently pushes the envelope with exhibitions that challenge artistic conventions and explore new ideas. With its bold architecture, Bonniers Konsthall is as much a part of the contemporary art scene as the works it displays. Exhibitions often feature a mix of mediums, including painting, video, sculpture, and interactive installations, allowing visitors to experience modern creativity. The museum also hosts artist talks and workshops, making it an engaging space for art enthusiasts and professionals.
Address: Torsgatan 19
Website: www.bonnierskonsthall.se
How to Get There: Take bus 3 or 4 to the "Sankt Eriksplan" stop.
Sven-Harry's Art Museum: A Collector's Dream
Located in the heart of Vasaparken, Sven-Harry's Art Museum combines contemporary art galleries and historic homes. Founded by Swedish art collector Sven-Harry Karlsson, the museum features rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art and a permanent collection housed in a replica of Karlsson's original home. The recreated apartment offers a glimpse into the private life of an art collector, with works by Swedish masters such as Ernst Josephson, Carl Fredrik Hill, and August Strindberg on display. The museum's bold, golden façade stands out as a modern architectural statement in the park, reflecting its cutting-edge approach to curation.
Address: Eastmansvägen 10
Website: www.sven-harrys.se
How to Get There: Take bus 3 to the "Vasaparken" stop.
Etnografiska Museet: A Global Art Journey
While primarily an ethnographic museum, Etnografiska Museet frequently hosts exhibitions highlighting traditional art forms worldwide. Its collections focus on indigenous cultures, featuring art, crafts, and cultural objects from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The museum's exhibits often provide an important context for understanding the role of art within different societies, offering visitors a global perspective on creativity. With a mix of historical artefacts and contemporary pieces, Etnografiska Museet is a fascinating place to explore art in its broader cultural and social context.
Address: Djurgårdsbrunnsvägen 34
Website: www.etnografiskamuseet.se
How to Get There: Take bus 69 to the "Museiparken" stop.
Färgfabriken: A Canvas for Experimental Art
Färgfabriken is a unique art space located in a former paint factory in the Liljeholmen district. Known for its focus on contemporary and experimental art, Färgfabriken showcases exhibitions that explore themes related to society, urban development, and sustainability, often featuring large-scale installations, multimedia works, and performances. Founded in 1995, Färgfabriken’s mission is to blur the boundaries between art, architecture, and social issues, providing a space where artists and visitors can engage with some of the most pressing topics of our time. The industrial setting of the building, with its high ceilings and raw aesthetic, adds to the impact of the works on display, creating a dynamic environment for thought-provoking art.
• Address: Lövholmsbrinken 1, Liljeholmen
• Website: www.fargfabriken.se
• How to Get There: Take the metro to Liljeholmen station, then walk 10 minutes or take bus 77 to the “Trekantsvägen” stop.
Comments