Stockholm, Sweden

Liljevalchs

The Nordics • See & do • Liljevalchs in Stockholm, Sweden

What’s the museum in a nutshell?

Liljevalchs, established in 1916 and named after the benefactor Carl Gustaf Liljevalch, has long been a focal point of Stockholm’s thriving art scene. In 2021, the renowned architecture firm Wingårdhs brought a new dimension to the venue with the completion of Liljevalchs+, a compelling and distinctly modern extension. This expansion, which doubles the museum’s capacity for yearly exhibitions, ensures Liljevalchs remains at the forefront of the art world, continuing to engage and inspire visitors for another century.

What is showcased?

Liljevalchs is a democratic canvas that warmly welcomes both seasoned and amateur artists. The museum has a rich tradition of hosting the annual Spring Salon, an event that celebrates the diversity and energy of the art world. With the completion of the Liljevalchs+ extension by Wingårdhs, the museum’s ability to showcase art has significantly expanded. The new space, offering an extra 2,400 square metres, also hosts the annual Market Art Fair, positioning Liljevalchs as a key player on the city’s art stage. This expansion allows the museum to present an even broader range of exhibitions, continually engaging its visitors.

What is the architecture like?

The architecture of Liljevalchs is a masterful blend of past and future. The original structure, a timeless blend of Nordic Classicism and Art Nouveau designed by Carl Bergsten and Mårten Boberg, now shares its space with Liljevalchs+, an innovative extension conceived by Wingårdhs. The new structure, with its three-story layout, juxtaposes straight and leaning walls, creating an engaging visual dialogue. A vast glass roof of 170 square meters invites the entire sky into the building, bathing the interior in ever-changing light. Adding to the building’s unique aesthetic, glass artist Ingegerd Råman decorated the façades with clear bottle bottoms, creating a mesmerizing grid of glass. The delicate balance between the old and the new, history and innovation, is what makes Liljevalchs an architectural marvel, a testament to the power of art and design.

What’s the neighbourhood like?

Bringing together the bustle of city life and the tranquillity of nature, Djurgården is a unique facet of Stockholm’s landscape. Rich in history, the island was originally used as a royal hunting ground in the 16th century, its name translating to “animal garden”. It’s now home to an array of historical and cultural landmarks, from the Vasa Museum, which houses a perfectly preserved 17th-century warship, to Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum. For thrill-seekers, the 19th-century Gröna Lund amusement park offers vintage charm. Yet, amidst these attractions, Djurgården retains its regal serenity, its parks and waterways offering peaceful refuge from the city’s pace.