Discover Sweden’s modern and contemporary art museums, where everything from photography and design to painting and sculpture takes centre stage. From Kiruna in the north to Malmö in the south, you'll find inspiring collections, bold exhibitions and distinctive museum settings.
Sweden has a vibrant art scene, showcasing both internationally acclaimed artists and emerging talent. Many of the country’s modern museums are attractions in their own right, housed in striking buildings or set in unexpected locations. Here’s our guide to some of Sweden’s standout museums and art spaces, taking you on a cultural journey from north to south.
Located in the striking Kristallen City Hall in Kiruna’s new city centre, Kin Museum is Sweden’s northernmost art museum. With the Barents region as its starting point, it showcases contemporary art in all its forms, from painting and photography to sculpture and installations. Alongside changing exhibitions, the museum has a growing collection of its own. To spark creativity, it also offers free Saturday art workshops, where children and adults can try their hand at painting, drawing and other creative activities.
Set beside the Ume River on Umeå Arts Campus, Bildmuseet is one of Sweden’s leading venues for international contemporary art. Part of Umeå University, the museum occupies a striking seven-storey building with a wooden façade, offering exhibitions spanning art, photography, design and architecture. Beyond the exhibitions, Bildmuseet hosts talks, workshops and occasional Art Friday events, ranging from exhibition openings and film screenings to quizzes and live music.
Housed in historic Uppsala Castle, Uppsala Art Museum brings together some 14,000 works of art and design, from paintings and sculptures to installations and video art. With a focus on art from the late 19th century to today, the museum presents both works from its own collection and temporary exhibitions. Families can explore the art with specially designed activities for children, while Art Night events bring together guided tours, creative workshops, food, drinks and music.
Set on the island of Skeppsholmen in central Stockholm, Moderna Museet is one of Europe’s leading museums of modern and contemporary art. Its impressive collection of over 140,000 works includes paintings, sculptures, photography and film by artists such as Picasso and Dalí. Don’t miss Stockholm Slides, Carsten Höller’s playful artwork featuring two slides that whisk visitors from the museum’s rooftop to ground level (closed during the colder months). The building also houses ArkDes, Sweden’s national museum of architecture and design.
Since opening in Stockholm in 2010, Fotografiska has expanded to cities including Berlin, Tallinn, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Located on Södermalm, this photography museum has no permanent collection, instead presenting changing exhibitions by established and emerging photographers from around the world. Open until late in the evening, it also hosts talks and events. Round off your visit at the award-winning restaurant, serving seasonal food with panoramic views across the water.
Just 30 minutes from central Stockholm, Artipelag brings together art, design, food and nature in a striking waterfront setting on Värmdö island. Its name combines ‘art’ and ‘archipelago’, reflecting its location in the Stockholm archipelago. The purpose-built museum hosts changing exhibitions, while large windows frame views of the surrounding forest and sea. Explore the outdoor sculpture park or enjoy a meal overlooking the water. On weekends, a direct bus connects Artipelag with central Stockholm.
Housed in a former boiler house beneath the Älvsborg Bridge in Gothenburg, Röda Sten Konsthall has a colourful past. Once a venue for rave parties and threatened with demolition, the industrial building is now a hub for contemporary art, showcasing sculpture, installations, photography and video art. The gallery also hosts talks and workshops and organises the Gothenburg International Biennial for Contemporary Art (GIBCA), held across the city. The next edition runs from 4 September to 21 November 2027.
With a focus on contemporary and public art, Borås Konstmuseum showcases Swedish and international artists through painting, sculpture, photography and moving images. Admission is free, and visitors can explore exhibitions, guided tours and creative activities. Since 2008, the museum has organised the Borås International Sculpture Biennial, with the next edition in 2028. Beyond the museum, use its digital art map to discover sculptures, murals and other public artworks around the city – and see why Borås is known as ‘the sculpture city’.
Set beside the Nissan River in central Halmstad, Hallands Konstmuseum occupies a distinctive 1930s building designed by architect Ragnar Hjorth. The museum houses an extensive and growing collection of art from Halland and beyond, including works by the renowned Halmstad Group, pioneers of Swedish surrealism. Several exhibitions run alongside each other, often drawing on the museum’s own collection, while weekend guided tours (included in the admission fee) offer a chance to explore the art in greater depth.
Opened in 2009 as a branch of Stockholm’s renowned Moderna Museet, the Malmö museum showcases modern and contemporary art by Swedish and international artists, drawing on the museum’s extensive collection alongside temporary exhibitions. Housed in a former power station with a striking orange-red extension, it’s just a 10-minute walk from Malmö Central Station. Beyond the exhibitions, there’s a varied programme for all ages, from baby painting and creative workshops to Drink & Draw sessions and peaceful mornings at the museum.
One of the Nordic region’s largest venues for contemporary art, Malmö Konsthall opened in 1975 in a distinctive box-like building designed by architect Klas Anshelm. Located in central Malmö, near Triangeln shopping centre, the gallery presents three to four exhibitions a year, featuring Swedish and international artists. Its varied programme also includes literature, music, film, performing arts and debates. Admission to all exhibitions and events is free, making it easy to drop in and discover something new.
