Spectacular art, history, and nature at Millesgården

The former home of artists Carl and Olga Milles is a fantastic destination with an immersive art gallery, a beautiful garden and sculpture park, and a popular restaurant. This spring sees a celebration of divine glamour in the new exhibition IN EXTASY! The Swedish diva, Worshipped by Robert Fux.

Carl Milles (1875-1955) is one of Sweden’s most famous artists, with works displayed worldwide. Millesgården, on the island of Lidingö in Stockholm, just 15 minutes by car from the city centre, is the beautiful home of the successful sculptor and his artist wife Olga. In 1936, the couple decided to donate their home to the Swedish people with the aim of creating a museum.

A magical oasis where art, history and nature meet, Millesgården is an inspiring destination for the whole family with a glimpse into the artists’ former home, an art gallery with three temporary exhibitions per year, an impressive sculpture park, a terraced garden with beautiful fountains, a charming café and restaurant, and a museum shop. And not to forget, breathtaking views over Stockholm’s inlet.

In honour of glamorous Swedish divas

This spring, Millesgården’s art gallery has been transformed into a cathedral and a winding hall of mirrors dedicated to the power of the female and queer star in the new colourful exhibition IN EXTASY! The Swedish Diva, Worshipped by Robert Fux. It premiered in February, with a grandiose opening.

The exhibition is curated by actor and drag show artist Robert Fux, also known from Drag Race Sweden and Stockholm’s Stadsteater, together with art historian Magdalena Hammar. Showing original costumes and unique artefacts, with personal stories from around 60 Swedish divas in opera, theatre, film and showbiz, the display features icons such as Zarah Leander, Birgit Nilsson, Greta Garbo and Anita Ekberg, and more recent divas including Leila K and Camilla Henemark.

The original meaning of the word diva is goddess, and Fux delves into the construction of the diva persona and the dynamic between worshipping and being worshipped. “Through spectacular installations, this colourful exhibition examines and celebrates the Swedish diva’s power to shine, inspire, and transform – something we need more of these days,” says Sara Källström, museum director.

IN EXTASY! The Swedish Diva, Worshipped by Robert Fux is showing at Millesgården until 25 May.

Celebrating 150 years of Carl Milles

This year marks 150 years since the birth of Carl Milles and Millesgården presents the largest solo exhibition on his works and his life. In June, the exhibition Carl Milles: Art & Artist opens in the art gallery.

“We want to highlight Carl Milles’ art and tell his story, from his childhood in Sweden, through turn-of-the-century Paris, to his time as a professor in the USA,” says Källström. In addition to showcasing his works, the exhibition provides insight into the person behind the art. “Carl Milles was a creative and complex individual with a twinkle in his eye, yet also a man whose work and persona provoke questions and spark discussion. Contemporary voices will offer new perspectives and insights.”

In October, Millesgården presents a comprehensive exhibition about Finnish design duo Aino and Alvar Aalto, with around 300 objects from the world’s largest private Aalto collection. “The exhibition covers the Aaltos’ design work from the 1920s to the 1960s and highlights their unique collaboration, with Alvar responsible for architectural concepts and Aino for interior design and material choices,” says Källström.

Italian inspiration and the wow factor

The café and restaurant Millesgården Lanthandel is located on the middle terrace in the sculpture park, and is popular amongst visitors and locals. Lanthandeln has the same opening hours as Millesgården and serves lunch, home-baked cakes, coffee and tea. In winter, why not have a meal sitting in the winter garden or a coffee by the fireplace. In summer, you can relish on the lush open-air terrace. Villa Foresta is located nearby, for visitors who would like to enjoy a lovely dinner and drinks in the evening, or stay the night.

Another highlight is exploring the stunning terraced garden. Every year, internationally renowned garden designer and landscape architect Ulf Nordfjell, also known from the Chelsea Flower Show, designs one of the larger flowerbeds – the Oak bed at the lower terrace.

“Carl Milles loved and wished to evoke the gardens of Italy’s Mediterranean coast. The garden at Millesgården changes through the seasons and visitors will always have something new to explore – it’s absolutely beautiful any time of year,” smiles Källström. “For the ultimate wow factor, exit the art gallery via the terrace and enjoy the stunning view of Stockholm that unfolds in front of you.”

Web: www.millesgarden.se
Facebook: Millesgården
Instagram: @millesgarden

Temporary exhibitions at Millesgården:

IN EXTASY! The Swedish Diva, Worshipped by Robert Fux
Until 25 May

CARL MILLES: Art & Artist
14 June to 28 September

AALTO: Aino & Alvar 11 October 2025 to 10 May 2026