Art in Stockholm: the best art museums – a visitor's guide

Stockholm has an unusually rich choice of art museums for a city of its size. Many are close to the water and close to each other, which makes it easy to see several in one day.

Nationalmuseum

Sweden's largest art museum is at Blasieholmen, across the water from the Royal Palace. It holds old master painting, sculpture, applied art and design, and the collection is free to visit.

Moderna Museet

On Skeppsholmen, a short walk from Nationalmuseum, Moderna Museet shows modern and contemporary art. The collection is free, and on the same island you'll find ArkDes, Sweden's national centre for architecture and design.

Fotografiska

At Stadsgårdskajen on Södermalm, Fotografiska shows international photography in a former customs building. There is an admission fee, but the museum is known for its long opening hours.

Djurgården's art museums

On Djurgården you'll find Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde, the former home of the painter prince with views over the harbour, and Thielska Galleriet with its collection of Nordic art from around 1900. Liljevalchs konsthall near Gröna Lund is known for its annual Spring Salon.

Millesgården

On Lidingö lies the home and sculpture garden of sculptor Carl Milles, with terraces high above the water. The trip takes just under half an hour from the city centre.

Planning your visit

Many museums are closed on Mondays and some have late opening on certain days. Use Stockholm Art Scene to see which exhibitions are on while you're in town, and open directions in Google Maps, Apple Maps or SL straight from the list.