Nationalmuseum: Making 600 years of art and design relevant in today’s society

One of Stockholm’s main attractions, Nationalmuseum, has an impressive collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and prints from the Renaissance to 1900, and applied arts and design from the late Middle Ages to the present day – all waiting to be discovered.

At Nationalmuseum, visitors will meet international artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, Goya, Renoir, Degas and Gauguin, as well as Swedish masters such as Carl Larsson, Bruno Liljefors, and Anders Zorn. The collections include art from the late Middle Ages up until the beginning of the 20th century, with an emphasis on Swedish 18th and 19th century painting.

“During a visit, you will go on a journey through the history of European art and experience famous highlights from the 16th century to today,” says Patrick Amsellem, director. “A must is Rembrandt’s massive painting The Conspiracy of Claudius Civilis. Take the time to really look at it and think about what’s actually happening in the painting.”

Patrick Amsellem, director general. Photo: Cecilia Heisser, Nationalmuseum

The museum does not only offer a historical perspective, however. “Ultimately, our mission is to make art and design accessible to as many people as possible and relevant in today’s society,” means Amsellem. “We see art in a creative and playful way, and our exhibitions try to offer an interesting dialogue between the past and the present day.”

This spring, for instance, Nationalmuseum presents a selection of Ernst Billgren’s work, including several new paintings inspired by the museum’s collections. The director explains; “Billgren is one of Sweden’s most renowned artists since the 1980s. His art has a strong connection to art history, with paintings reminiscent of landscapes and animal and still life paintings from the Baroque period. They have a cinematic quality, with changing motif from image to image.”

Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn, The Conspiracy of Claudius Civilis. Owner: Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts. Photo: Anna Danielsson, Nationalmuseum

Bonnard and the Nordics

The main exhibition this spring introduces Pierre Bonnard, an early 20th-century French artist who created his own colourful universe as the world around him was on fire. Bonnard and the Nordics offers new perspectives on the artist’s life and work and features more than a hundred works, including paintings on loan from institutions like Musée d’Orsay in Paris, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the National Gallery of Art in Washington.

In the exhibition, visitors also get the chance to discover Nordic art inspired by the French painter’s enigmatic and unique paintings, including work by Nils Dardel, Ragnar Sandberg, Ellen Thesleff, and Astri Welhaven Heiberg.

A separate room explores the unique relationship between Bonnard’s multi-faceted painting and the imagery of Norwegian expressionist painter Edvard Munch. “Bonnard and Munch were active at the same time, but as far as we know they never met,” says Amsellem. “Even though their paintings are beautiful, they also fascinate and evoke complex emotions.”

Colourful art experiences await

The museum building itself dates back to 1866 and was refurbished and renovated during the 2010s. One of the main principles underlying the new approach to displaying art collections was to use daylight in the galleries and complement it with artificial light to create varying experiences. Also, wall colours play a central role in enhancing the art experience.

“The new colour scheme is inspired by the original colour system as well as interiors in the 1800s,” says Amsellem. “A series of rooms have been painted in various nuances of green, yellow, red and pink that interplay with shades in the art and applied art from different centuries.”

A not-to-be-missed part of the museum is the beautiful sculpture courtyard, which unfolds like an Italian piazza. Here, visitors can take a break and enjoy sculptures from the collection. This area has also proven to be popular when posing for selfies.

Nationalmuseum’s restaurant is run by renowned chef Fredrik Eriksson. Photo: Nationalmuseum

Delights by chef Fredrik Eriksson

The museum’s restaurant is run by Fredrik Eriksson, one of Sweden’s most renowned and awarded chefs. Under his direction, the team serves delightful Swedish dishes, rooted in tradition yet quintessentially contemporary. Take the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely lunch with friends, an after-work drink with colleagues, or coffee and freshly baked pastries from the restaurant’s own bakery.

A restaurant in an art museum sets certain expectations, no doubt. Nationalmuseum’s restaurant is furnished with newly designed furniture, armatures and utility articles specifically for the particular rooms. A total of 30 designers, together with 20 or so producers, have participated in a collaborative effort to stimulate new ideas and manufacturing. Some of the objects are also available to buy in the museum shop.

As a vibrant destination, there is always plenty going on at the museum. Located in central Stockholm, it is easily accessible and has a splendid view over the Royal Palace. New this year is free entrance on Thursday evenings, with a social and festive atmosphere.

Photo: Anna Danielsson, Nationalmuseum

Web: www.nationalmuseum.se
Facebook: nationalmuseumswe
Instagram: @nationalmuseumswe

Exhibitions at Nationalmuseum:

Until 18 May 2025
Bonnard and the Nordics

10 April to 28 September 2025
Ernst Billgren − New Memories

19 June 2025 to 11 January 2026
Hanna Hirsch Pauli − The Art of Being Free

12 June 2025 to 11 January 2026
The Left Shore − Johan Renck and Anders Petersen brought together