Stockholm blends old-world charm with forward-looking creativity across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic. This culture-first guide maps the city’s best art museums and galleries, design and architecture highlights, metro-art stations, vintage and concept stores, plus seasonal events, so you can plan smart and see more.

To access our exclusive Stockholm Treasure Map, simply click the attached link and become a Culture Treasures member. The map pins every place in this guide and adds bonus cafés, boutiques and cultural venues. Planning your stay? Explore our guide to the best design hotels in Stockholm, along with our curated urban travel essentials and long flight essentials for a comfortable journey.

Art Museums:

Moderna Museet (Skeppsholmen / central Stockholm)
Why go: Sweden’s flagship for modern and contemporary art, with a standout international collection and outdoor sculptures around the island.
Tip: Pair your visit with ArkDes next door, stroll the free sculpture trail, and consider the ferry or the walk over Skeppsholmsbron.

Opened in 1958, Moderna Museet holds major works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Marcel Duchamp, Louise Bourgeois, Henri Matisse, and Robert Rauschenberg. The current building, designed by Rafael Moneo and completed in 1998, offers generous galleries and courtyards, while Skeppsholmen adds an open-air setting for pieces by artists including Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, and Alexander Calder.

Magasin III Museum & Foundation for Contemporary Art (Frihamnen / Stockholm Free Port)
Why go: Independent museum and collection for contemporary art and artist productions; a key Stockholm platform since 1987.
Tip: The Stockholm venue operates with select openings and loans rather than a fixed year-round schedule, check what’s on.

Founded in 1987 by David Neuman and Robert Weil under Proventus AB and the Robert Weil Family Foundation, Magasin III supports contemporary art exhibitions, new commissions, and acquisitions, with an ethos that extends to education, sustainability, and dialogue across disciplines. Its home is a former warehouse in Frihamnen, adapted for large-scale contemporary work.

Fotografiska (Södermalm / Stadsgårdshamnen 22)
Why go: Stockholm’s hub for contemporary photography in a landmark Art Nouveau customs house, rotating exhibitions by major international and Nordic photographers, plus a scenic café/bistro and event spaces.
Tip: It’s open late most days, so consider an evening visit for waterfront views after the galleries.

Founded in 2010 by Jan and Per Broman, Fotografiska presents a year-round program of temporary shows rather than a permanent collection. The building, an early-1900s customs house designed by Ferdinand Boberg, anchors generous galleries, a museum shop, and spaces for talks and screenings. Past headliners have included Annie Leibovitz and Robert Mapplethorpe, among others.

Artipelag (Värmdö / Stockholm Archipelago)
Why go: Waterside art museum where architecture, nature, and contemporary exhibitions meet, 10,000 m² of Rafael-quiet galleries by architect Johan Nyrén, plus forest paths and a sculpture park.
Tip: Reach it by SL buses from Slussen (474 + 468 to Hålludden) or by seasonal boat from Strandvägen. Leave time for the boardwalk, sea views, and the café/pâtisserie.

Opened in 2012, Artipelag occupies a pine-clad site with about 3,000 m² of gallery space and 22 acres of surrounding nature. Founded by Björn and Lillemor Jakobson, it programs temporary exhibitions and commissions and often extends shows outdoors. Past headliners include Candida Höfer and William Wegman; Bo Nilsson serves as museum director.

Carl Eldh’s Ateljémuseum (Bellevueparken / Vasastan)
Why go: A time-capsule studio museum for sculptor Carl Eldh (1873–1954) in a wooden atelier designed by architect Ragnar Östberg, shelves of plaster casts, tools, and works exactly where the artist left them.
Tip: Hours are seasonal with short guided tours often included; an English tour typically runs early afternoon. Check the current schedule before you go.

Opened as a museum in 1963 inside Eldh’s 1919 studio, the collection centers on the artist’s working material: hundreds of plaster sketches and original models, alongside bronzes, stone and clay pieces, portraits, and memorabilia. The light-drenched workspace and Bellevuepark setting make it one of Stockholm’s most atmospheric small museums.

Contemporary art galleries:

Andréhn-Schiptjenko (Östermalm / Linnégatan 31)
Why go: Influential Stockholm gallery (founded 1991) representing Swedish and international artists across media, with a sister space in Paris.
Tip: The program skews museum-caliber with tightly curated solos, check what’s on before you go.

Founded by Ciléne Andréhn and Marina Schiptjenko, the gallery is known for long-term artist relationships and exhibition production on an international stage. Its Östermalm space supports large installations alongside photography, painting, and sculpture.

Galleri Magnus Karlsson (Norrmalm / Fredsgatan 12)
Why go: A pillar of Stockholm’s contemporary scene, focused on ambitious painting, drawing, and installation, situated inside the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts.
Tip: Pair with nearby Nationalmuseum or a walk through Kungsträdgården.

Since 2005 the gallery has anchored its program at Fredsgatan, promoting both established and emerging artists with a strong narrative and figurative thread, plus international collaborations and art-fair presence.

CFHILL (Östermalm / Riddargatan 13)
Why go: Curatorial platform showing diverse exhibitions, often dialogues between historic and contemporary voices, in an elegant townhouse setting.
Tip: Openings and short exhibition runs are common; check dates and hours.

Since 2015 CFHILL has staged tightly edited shows with Scandinavian and international artists, mixing loans, estates, and living practitioners across painting, photography, sculpture, and new media.

Färgfabriken (Lövholmen / Lövholmsbrinken 1)
Why go: Multidisciplinary institution in a former paint factory, contemporary art, architecture, and urban-development projects with a lively café.
Tip: Combine with a canal-side stroll around Liljeholmen; programs often include talks and experimental formats.

Active since the mid-1990s, Färgfabriken commissions and presents socially engaged exhibitions and city-lab projects, making it a key venue for cross-pollination between art, design, and planning.

Wetterling Gallery (Norrmalm / Kungsträdgården 3)
Why go: Long-running gallery near the park, showing leading Scandinavian and international artists—particularly strong in contemporary painting and sculpture.
Tip: Easy add-on to a central-city museum day; free entry.

Founded in the 1970s–80s era of Stockholm galleries, Wetterling maintains a robust exhibition calendar and artist roster, with regular publications and public-space collaborations.

Konstnärshuset (The Artists’ House) (Norrmalm / Smålandsgatan 7)
Why go: A historic artists’ association venue and exhibition house (built 1897–99), notable for its Venetian-influenced façade and richly detailed interiors.
Tip: Check for current shows and events; the building itself is worth a visit between Norrmalmstorg and Birger Jarlsgatan.

Owned by the Swedish Artists’ Association, Konstnärshuset hosts contemporary exhibitions, talks, and events. The landmark building blends exhibition halls with storied artist spaces, an architectural attraction as well as a cultural one.

Architecture:

Filmhuset (Gärdet / Borgvägen 1–5)
Why go: Swedish Film Institute headquarters in a striking late-1960s brutalist building with cinematic details, home to Cinemateket and Sweden’s only specialist film library.
Tip: Check Cinemateket’s calendar for retrospectives and classics. The building keeps daytime public hours; the library has set opening times.

Designed by architect Peter Celsing and completed in 1968–70, Filmhuset embeds film references in its architecture: horizontal window bands recall film sprocket holes, polished lift doors echo dressing-room mirrors, and the coiling stairwells suggest a reel of film. Inside are two main cinemas (Bio Victor and Bio Mauritz), offices for film organizations, and a reference library focused on Swedish and international cinema.

79 & Park (Norra Djurgården / edge of Gärdet)
Why go: BIG’s cascading “wooden hillside” of homes, terraced green roofs, warm cedar and glass façades, and sweeping views over Gärdet, one of Stockholm’s most photogenic contemporary residential landmarks.
Tip: Best vantage points are from the paths along Gärdet and Sandhamnsgatan. This is private housing, enjoy the architecture from public areas and be respectful. Nearest metro: Gärdet or Ropsten; several buses stop by Lindarängsvägen/Frihamnsporten.

Completed in 2018, pixel-like structure made from 3.6 m × 3.6 m prefabricated modules arranged around an open green courtyard. The tallest corner rises to about 35 m before stepping down toward the park, giving most apartments outdoor terraces and long views while knitting the building into its natural setting.

Avicii Arena (Johanneshov / Globen)
Why go: Stockholm’s giant spherical arena, long billed as the world’s largest of its kind, hosting ice hockey, arena concerts, and major events. Renamed in 2021 to honor DJ Avicii and spotlight youth mental-health initiatives.
Tip: Check if SkyView rides are runningת glass gondolas that travel up the outside for a skyline viewת and note event seating varies ץ

Opened in 1989, the 110-meter-diameter “Globen” anchors Stockholm’s event district and symbolizes the Sun in Sweden’s national-scale Solar System model. Inside, the flexible bowl and technical upgrades support everything from NHL Global Series games to touring productions. The renaming to Avicii Arena in 2021 linked the venue with the Tim Bergling Foundation’s mental-health mission, turning a landmark of entertainment into a platform for awareness as well.

Stockholm Public Library (Vasastan / Sveavägen 73)
Why go: An iconic 1928 library by architect Gunnar Asplund, famed for its cylindrical rotunda and for pioneering open shelves in Swedenת letting visitors browse books directly. A touchstone in the shift from Nordic Classicism toward Functionalism.
Tip: The main building is closed for renovation until late 2027; you can still admire the exterior and nearby Observatorielunden park. A small temporary branch operates at Odengatan 59 during the closure.

Stockholm Public Library is Asplund’s total work of art: a square base wrapped around a dramatic circular reading room, with lighting, furniture, and even the adjacent parkland conceived as one cohesive design. Officially opened on March 31, 1928, it remains one of Stockholm’s most significant civic buildings and a must-see for architecture lovers—even from the outside while renovations are underway.

Design:

Östermalm in Stockholm is known as the design district, where you’ll find a concentration of design stores, boutiques, and showrooms. This stylish neighborhood is a hub for interior design, furniture, home accessories, and fashion. From renowned design stores to independent boutiques, Östermalm offers a rich selection of design experiences and opportunities to discover the latest trends and innovations in the world of design. Svenskt Tenn, a design institution and flagship store on Strandvägen, offers a wide range of iconic Swedish interior design items, including furniture, textiles, lighting, and home accessories. Known for its timeless elegance and collaboration with renowned designers, Svenskt Tenn is a must-visit destination for Scandinavian design enthusiasts. Located on Birger Jarlsgatan, Design House Stockholm showcases a curated collection of contemporary furniture, lighting, and home accessories, collaborating with international designers to create innovative and functional pieces that embody Scandinavian design principles. Asplund, situated on Sibyllegatan, is a design house and store that embraces minimalism and Scandinavian elegance, featuring furniture, carpets, lighting, and home accessories characterized by clean lines and exceptional craftsmanship. Malmstenbutiken, located on Nybrogatan, is the retail store of Carl Malmsten Furniture Studies, offering classic and contemporary Swedish furniture designs that showcase the rich heritage of Swedish craftsmanship. Posh Living, found on Karlavägen, specializes in luxury interior design, providing a carefully curated selection of furniture, lighting, and home decor with a focus on high-quality craftsmanship and elegant designs.

In other parts of Stockholm, you will find more design institutions that are worth exploring. ArkDes, situated on the island of Djurgården, is Sweden’s national center for architecture and design. ArkDes explores the interplay between design, architecture, and society through thoughtfully curated exhibitions, providing valuable insights into the innovative design ethos that defines Swedish culture. Acne Archive, founded by the renowned Swedish fashion brand Acne Studios, combines fashion and design in a distinctive way, offering an eclectic mix of clothing, accessories, and design objects. It serves as a platform for emerging designers and artists, making it an ideal destination for those seeking one-of-a-kind fashion pieces and inspiring design discoveries. Svensk Form, the Swedish Society of Crafts and Design, dedicates itself to promoting Swedish design excellence. Their store showcases a wide range of products created by established and up-and-coming designers, including home decor items, jewelry, fashion, and accessories embodying Swedish design values.

Metro Art:

Stockholm’s metro art is a captivating feature of the city’s cultural landscape, transforming subway stations into immersive galleries. Each station features a distinct artistic identity, with murals, sculptures, and installations that make commuting a visually striking experience. T-Centralen, the primary hub, hosts an engaging combination of mosaics, sculptures, and paintings that enchant commuters. Artists like Ulrik Samuelson, Siri Derkert, and Lennart Mörk have notably contributed to the station’s exceptional artwork. The Solna Centrum metro station is a mesmerizing red cavern adorned with expansive wall illustrations and peep-show apertures that reveal a vibrant tapestry of political narratives from the 1970s. These compelling scenes, as envisioned by artists Anders Åberg and Karl-Olov Björk, truly bring history to life. The Tekniska Högskolan metro station is celebrated for its unique fusion of science and art, serving the Royal Institute of Technology. Artworks throughout the station represent the four classical elements—fire, water, air, and earth—alongside depictions of technological advances and the universe. The Universitetet metro station features art that pays homage to Carl von Linné and the UN Declaration of Universal Human Rights. Created by Belgian and Parisian artist Françoise Schein, the station showcases 12 large tile panels dedicated to Linné’s travels around the Baltic. Schein used these travels as a foundation to explore themes of nature and contemporary ecological issues. The artwork, crafted on Azulejos in Lisbon before being brought to Stockholm, adds a significant cultural and educational layer to the station.

Events and beyond:

Don’t miss Stockholm Design Week in February, a premier event showcasing the latest trends in Scandinavian design through exhibitions, seminars, and installations. It offers a comprehensive immersion into the cutting-edge world of design. Stockholm Art Week coincides with Design Week and offers a diverse art experience featuring art fairs, gallery exhibitions, artist talks, performances, and special openings. Explore the vibrant art scene and discover new artistic voices.

For architecture and design enthusiasts, the Stockholm Architecture & Design Festival in spring is a must-attend event. It celebrates architecture, urban planning, and design through exhibitions, lectures, workshops, and guided tours, providing insights into the evolving design landscape of the city. Supermarket, an international art fair held in April, showcases independent artists and artist-run initiatives, offering a unique opportunity to discover new talents and explore contemporary art outside the mainstream market. Stockholm Craft Week in September highlights the art of craftsmanship and traditional skills, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and demonstrations that emphasize the value of handmade objects and traditional craft techniques.

Vintage Delight:

Stockholm offers a vibrant vintage shopping scene with a variety of unique and stylish options. Beyond Retro, located in the Södermalm district, is a popular choice with an extensive clothing, shoes, and accessories collection. Judits Second Hand in Östermalm offers carefully curated vintage pieces from luxury brands, while Myrorna, a chain of second-hand stores, provides a mix of vintage and contemporary items at affordable prices. For women’s clothing, accessories, and jewelry, Lisa Larsson Second Hand in Vasastan is highly recommended. Exploring neighborhoods like Södermalm, Östermalm, Vasastan, and Gamla Stan will lead to even more vintage treasures to discover.

In addition to vintage clothing, Stockholm is home to a variety of vintage design stores specializing in unique and retro-inspired home decor, furniture, and design items. Modernity in Östermalm offers a curated collection of Scandinavian design from the 20th century, including furniture, lighting, ceramics, and glassware. Jacksons in Södermalm focuses on mid-century modern furniture and interior design pieces. Nordlings Antik in Vasastan features vintage design furniture, lighting, art, and decorative objects with a Scandinavian touch. Dusty Deco in Hornstull specializes in industrial and rustic vintage items, including furniture, lighting, and home decor. Svenska Armaturer in Södermalm is a vintage lighting store with a wide selection of restored vintage lamps and fixtures. These vintage design stores provide an opportunity to add a touch of history, uniqueness, and character to your living space or office.

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