Stockholm, the artistic heartbeat of Sweden, is a city where historic charm meets contemporary creativity. Spread across 14 interconnected islands, each neighborhood offers its own unique blend of culture, architecture, and design. From the cobbled alleys of Gamla Stan to the creative energy of Södermalm, Stockholm invites discovery at every turn. This guide showcases the city’s leading museums, cutting-edge galleries, and inspiring design spaces, perfect for travelers seeking meaningful cultural experiences.

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Art Museums:

The Moderna Museet, located on the island of Skeppsholmen in central Stockholm, is a state museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Established in 1958, it houses a significant collection of Swedish and international art, including works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Marcel Duchamp, Louise Bourgeois, Henri Matisse, and Robert Rauschenberg, among others. The museum also features a sculpture park and has been a venue for significant contemporary art exhibitions and events. 

Magasin III Museum & Foundation for Contemporary Art, renowned for its emphasis on contemporary art, plays a pivotal role in showcasing works from both Swedish and international artists. Established in 1987 by David Neuman and Robert Weil, the museum actively supports the arts through exhibitions, art production, and collection acquisitions. As an independent cultural institution under the privately owned Proventus AB and the Robert Weil Family Foundation, Magasin III is deeply committed to the visual arts, performative disciplines, film, education, sustainability, democracy, and fostering dialogue across political divides. It is celebrated for its vibrant exhibitions and significant contributions to the discourse on contemporary art.

Fotografiska, located in the Södermalm district of Stockholm, is a prominent center for contemporary photography, founded by brothers Jan and Per Broman in 2010. The museum is situated in a historic Art Nouveau style building at Stadsgården, originally serving as a customs house and dating back to 1906. Designed by Ferdinand Boberg, the building is now a cultural landmark that houses Fotografiska’s extensive exhibit spaces, a bistro, café, bar, conference rooms, museum shop, gallery, and event spaces. It has hosted exhibitions featuring renowned photographers such as Annie Leibovitz, Gus Van Sant, and Robert Mapplethorpe.

Artipelag, an art museum located on the archipelago in Stockholm, Sweden, opened its doors in June 2012. The museum’s building, designed by the late architect Johan Nyrén, harmoniously integrates into the surrounding landscape. Covering an area of approximately 10,000 square meters, Artipelag includes 3,000 square meters of art galleries and is set amidst 22 acres of natural scenery. Artipelag has hosted notable exhibitions featuring artists such as William Wegman and Candida Höfer, under the artistic direction of Bo Nilsson. The museum’s name is a play on “arkipelag,” the Swedish word for “archipelago,” reflecting its unique location and focus on blending art with nature.

Carl Eldh’s Ateljémuseum is a museum dedicated to showcasing the works of Carl Eldh (1873–1954), one of Sweden’s most prominent sculptors during the early 20th century. The museum, which was Eldh’s former studio, now houses nearly five hundred of the artist’s works, including plaster casts and other creations. It also hosts newly produced exhibitions, guiding walks, and programs. The museum’s collection mainly consists of sculptures made by Eldh, featuring over 500 plaster sketches and original models, as well as sculptures in bronze, stone, and clay. A significant part of the collection includes portraits and original models of well-known statues and monuments, alongside Eldh’s tools, various memorabilia, furniture, and his private art collection. 

Contemporary art galleries:

Stockholm is home to a vibrant contemporary art scene, with a variety of galleries showcasing exciting and innovative works. Andréhn-Schiptjenko represents internationally acclaimed artists working across various mediums, pushing artistic boundaries, and exploring new concepts. Galleri Magnus Karlsson focuses on exceptional contemporary painting and drawing, representing both established and emerging artists. CFHILL in Norrmalm showcases diverse exhibitions by established and emerging artists. Färgfabriken, a multidisciplinary art space in Lövholmen, challenges conventional notions with socially engaging exhibitions and performances. Wetterling Gallery was established over forty years ago, Wetterling Gallery is a leading venue for contemporary Scandinavian art. Located near Kungsträdgården, it provides a platform for both Swedish and Scandinavian artists, as well as introducing international artists to the local scene. The Artist House (Konstnärshuset), a Neo-Gothic architectural gem located near Norrmalmstorg square in Stockholm, serves as a vibrant cultural space for the Swedish Artists’ Association, showcasing contemporary exhibitions.

Architecture:

Filmhuset, located in Stockholm, is the hub of the Swedish Film Institute, known for its brutalist architecture that encapsulates the essence of film through its design. Built in the late 1960s, the building features windows resembling film perforations and elevator doors that mimic makeup mirrors, with the entire structure shaped like a camera. Serving as the center of the Swedish film industry, Filmhuset also houses Sweden’s largest library of film books and magazines and is the main venue for Cinemateket, showcasing a wide range of cinematic masterpieces.

79 & Park, a residential project in Stockholm by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), blends urban living with nature. Completed in 2018 near Gärdet national park, its cascading design offers private gardens and panoramic views. The building’s pixelated structure creates an organic expression, reflecting the landscape while utilizing prefabricated, cost-effective units. This innovative approach respects the urban and natural surroundings, showcasing BIG’s commitment to integrating contemporary homes into their environment.

The Ericsson Globe, now known as Avicii Arena, is a distinctive landmark in Stockholm, Sweden, celebrated as the world’s largest spherical building. Since its inauguration in 1989, it has served as a versatile venue for ice hockey, concerts, and other major events, boasting a seating capacity of up to 16,000. The arena’s unique design and functionality symbolize Sweden’s innovative approach to architecture and entertainment spaces. Renamed in 2021 to honor the late Swedish DJ Avicii, the arena also embodies a commitment to initiatives focused on young people’s mental health, marking it as a cultural and architectural icon in Stockholm’s skyline.

The Stockholm Public Library, designed by the renowned Swedish architect Gunnar Asplund and opened in 1928, is a landmark of modernist architecture in Stockholm, Sweden. Known for its cylindrical main hall and the innovative concept of open shelves, allowing direct access to books, it was Sweden’s first library to implement this approach. The library’s design, characterized by its simplicity and functionalism, marks a significant shift from classicism to modern architecture. Asplund’s work on the library, including its furnishings and the surrounding parkland, is considered one of his most important contributions to Swedish architecture. The library system, which includes the main building and 40 branches, holds over 2 million volumes, making it a central hub for literature and culture in the city.

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.

With the interactive map below, you can compare all available accommodation options in the city and find the best prices from a variety of leading providers.