Stockholm Art

Stockholm art is rich in tradition and extremely accessible through the many art galleries, museums, and performance centers throughout the city. This Swedish capital takes its art seriously, and visitors should make time to soak in some of the culture. Stockholm art is everywhere, but here are a few excellent options to explore.

The National Museum

The largest Stockholm art collection is located in the National Museum, which houses over 30,000 drawings and 16,000 paintings. The art itself dates from the medieval period through the 19th century, and includes work from some of history's most famous artists, including Gaugin, Rembrandt, and Renoir. There's also a special section devoted to furniture and applied art, of which the National Museum has many magnificent pieces.

The Moderna Museet

Stockholm is also home to a remarkable contemporary art collection. The Moderna Museet has played an incredibly important role in the Stockholm art scene because it introduced the country's art enthusiasts to groundbreaking artists like Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg. Today it is home to a wonderful collection of 20th-century art by artists like Picasso, Pollock, and Dali.

Traveler tip: The Moderna Museet isn't free, but there is a special event on the first day of each month during which guests are granted access to the museum's newest temporary exhibition free of charge.

Galerie Bel' Art

The Stockholm art scene is home to many small boutique galleries, and the Galerie Bel'Art is one the finest. Galleries like this are crucial to breaking new artists onto the scene, and if you're lucky you'll be able to say you saw a great artistic talent before he or she became famous.

Millesgården

Stockholm also features work by home-grown artists. Millesgården, the home of famous Swedish painter and sculptor Carl Milles, has been turned into a museum and botanical garden. You'll find a collection of some of his creations, as well as a replica of his most famous sculpture. This is one of the most unique Stockholm art opportunities and a perfect choice for anyone looking for some offbeat exhibitions.

Metro Stations

The metro stations are another great place to see exemplary Stockholm art. Who would think to look in a subway station for art? It's actually not that uncommon—other metro systems, such as Moscow, feature many works of art throughout different stations. During the summertime, the city of Stockholm offers free guided tours of the different lines. More than 90% of Stockholm's 100 metro stations feature some form of art, which has given rise to the 110 km subway system's unofficial title, "the longest art exhibit in the world." If you only have time to explore one subway line, choose the Blue line. It offers the most art in its stations, and it has less traffic than the other inner-city lines.

Stockholm is a great place to see traditional and modern art in a variety of venues. Stockholm art can be found in museums, galleries, and even its mass transit system. Even if you don't have time to seek out work in a gallery, you'll be able to take in some of the artistic culture during your city travels.

Check out other Stockholm attractions.