The Fotografiska Museum in Stockholm is well worth a visit. The exhibitions are varied and the photographs on display are often thought-provoking and emotional. We offer a story from our visit and some practical information for those who also want to visit Fotografiska.
Table of contents
Bike ride to the Museum of Photography
A while ago, we went on a bike ride to the Fotografiska Museum, located at Stadsgårdshamnen in Stockholm. At first we were a little hesitant to take the electric bikes through Slussen, but it went perfectly well. Although it is a bit messy right now with all the rebuilding, there are clearly signposted cycle paths.
There was also a "practical" sign that showed tourists the way to the Old Town and "hipsters" heading south. We, who were going to Fotografiska (to the left), were hipsters then ...?
The Fotografiska Museum is beautifully situated on the waterfront, with a lovely view of the centre of Stockholm. On one side of the museum is the Birka Cruises terminal, and on the other side is the Viking Line terminal.
Fotografiska Museum in Stockholm
The Fotografiska Museum is located in a building built in the early 20th century, originally used as a customs house. Today it is a very popular museum. The museum is one of Sweden's biggest visitor destinations with half a million visitors per year.
Many people want to experience the amazing photography exhibitions, and since new exhibitions are regularly added, Fotografiska becomes a museum to return to. We have been here at some point before, but not very often. Now it was time for a new visit!
A museum with a vision
The Fotografiska Museum in Stockholm works according to its vision of "Inspiring a more conscious world". It showcases photographs while contributing to the social debate by creating engagement and focussing on important issues.
The vision is kept alive not only through the exhibitions, but also through the restaurant, where food creator Paul Svensson is at the forefront of 'conscious cuisine'. The restaurant, which focuses on organic foods from the plant kingdom, was named the World's Best Museum Restaurant in 2017.
Not only exhibitions
Fotografiska constantly presents new exhibitions with exciting photos, but also organises photography courses, lectures and workshops for both beginners and professional photographers. The museum describes itself as one of the world's largest gathering places for photography and photographers.
Exhibitions at the Museum of Photography
The exhibitions at Fotografiska museet change regularly, which is of course what makes the museum exciting. The exhibitions we saw are still running, but will be replaced by other exhibitions at the beginning of March.
Erik Johansson: Places beyond
"Places Beyond" is a magical exhibition that takes you to a world of boundless imagination. Images that you can lose yourself in! The exhibition runs from 6 December 2019 - 01 March 2020.
Alex Prager: Welcome home
Alex Prager's photography is reminiscent of American cinema, but at the same time you are not sure what you are actually seeing. You can look at the pictures for a long time. The exhibition runs from 22 November 2019 to 8 March 2020.
Group Exhibition: Nordic Life
A thousand different photographers have depicted everyday life in the Nordic countries. The exhibition runs from 24 October 2019 - 01 March 2020.
Pentti Sammallahti: Distant Life
An exhibition by Finnish photographer, poet and traveller Pentti Sammalahti. The exhibition runs from 22 November 2019 - 08 March 2020.
Fotografiska museet in more countries
The Fotografiska Museum was founded in Stockholm, but also has locations in New York and Tallinn. The museum is also planning to open in White Chapel in London, but it is unclear when this will happen.
What did we think of the Museum of Photography?
The Fotografiska Museum is an exciting and challenging museum that not only offers beautiful photos, but perhaps more importantly, images that provoke emotions and thoughts. It is definitely worth coming here once in a while!
We visited the museum on a Saturday, and of course there were a lot of people. It was not for very crowded, but if you have a choice, it might not be a bad idea to aim for a weekday for your visit.
Have you visited the Museum of Photography?
Have you visited the Museum of Photography? What did you think?
Facts about the Fotografiska Museum in Stockholm
- Address: Fotografiska, Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 116 45 Stockholm.
- Location: At Stadsgården in Stockholm, not far from Slussen.
- More info: You can find more information at the museum's website
Opening hours
- Exhibitions and shop: Sunday - Wednesday 9:00-23:00 and Thursday - Saturday 09:00-01:00 (2020)
- Restaurant: Lunch Monday - Saturday 11:30-14:30 and dinner Monday - Wednesday 17:00-20:30 and Thursday - Saturday 17:00-21:30 (2020).
- Café: All days 09:00-22:00 (2020)
- Fotografiska Studio Live: Thursday - Saturday 16:00-01:00
Prices
- Adults: 170 (2020)
- Students/pensioners: 140 (2020)
- Children under 12 years old: Free of charge
- Members: There are different memberships that are paid monthly. Read more on the museum's website.
- Guided tours for groups: A 45-minute guided tour for a maximum of 25 people costs 2250 SEK for the whole group (2020) plus the usual entrance fee.
- Payment: You can buy your ticket online, in the museum app or at the museum. The museum is cashless.
Services and practical information
- Storage: Storage boxes are located on level -1.
- Baby carriages: You can bring a pram to the exhibitions. There is also a car park for prams on level -1.
- Food service: Restaurant with organic food and café with coffee and light meals. The Veranda is also open in the summer. Update: The restaurant, run by Paul Svensson, has been awarded a green star in the Michelin Guide for its focus on sustainability.
- Pleasure: Fotografiska Studio Live is a cocktail bar and live stage.
- Shop: In the museum shop you can buy photo books, posters, posters, photo art and gifts.
Accessibility
- Entrance: There is a wheelchair ramp along the long side facing the water. At the main entrance there is a steeper ramp for pushchairs. There are a few paid car parks in front of the entrance and behind the building.
- Accessibility of premises: There is a lift to all floors.
- Toilets: There are accessible toilets on level -1 and at the café on level 2.
- Guide dog: Guide dogs are welcome. Other dogs are not welcome.
Activities
- Courses: Fotografiska organises a variety of courses such as basic courses, advanced courses, advanced courses, courses for parental leave and taking photos with your mobile phone.
- Conference and events: At the Museum of Photography you can book conferences and events. You can include activities such as 'Become a better photographer'.
- Private booking: You can also book for private parties or events.
Getting to Fotografiska
- Local transport: Get to Södermalmstorg by bus or to Slussen by metro (red or green line). Walk towards the bus terminal towards the water. Then walk about 500 metres along the waterfront.
- Car: You can drive to Fotografiska by car. A limited number of parking spaces are available between the main entrance and the Birka terminal. Parking spaces are also available next to the Viking Line terminal.
- Bicycle: There are good cycle routes to the Museum of Photography. Bicycle racks are available outside the entrance.
- Boat: During the summer months, the museum can be reached by boat. Read more at Strömma's website.
Lena - good for the soul says:
Oh, I really like Fotografiska! Have been there far too rarely. Nice exhibitions, nice atmosphere, good food and lovely views!
Hug Lena
15 February 2020 - 8:45
Helena says:
Then you feel more or less like us! Nice place 🙂
15 February 2020 - 17:05
bmlarstravellingblog says:
We think Fotografiska is a real oasis in Stockholm and gets a visit from us at least a couple of times a year, certainly Erik Johansson's photos are magical... Now we will soon go up again and since the exhibitions are almost the same as in December, it may be Sven-Harry's museum that gets a visit instead. Thanks for the tip!
15 February 2020 - 10:14
Helena says:
Fotografiska is special! And I agree that Erik Johansson's photos are imaginatively magical. The one with the escalator and nature became a favourite for me 🙂.
15 February 2020 - 17:13
Ama de casa says:
I have not visited Fotografiska and that is a big mistake on my part, I see in this post.
Just love the top picture with the moon thieves 😀.
Have a nice Saturday!
15 February 2020 - 10:26
Ditte says:
Glad you have been here. This is definitely one of my favourite museums in Stockholm. I usually come here once a month and it's nice to just look in. Have an annual pass, recommended if you go here often and I usually look at one or a couple of exhibitions at a time.
Next week I'm going to see "Places Beyond" I haven't seen it but I bought the book.
I avoid weekends here. And also perfect to combine a visit with a fresh lunch here.
I usually go here and when I walk around the south, I often take the opportunity to stop by.
Have also taken one of their photography courses. So rewarding.
Thank you for visiting here today.
15 February 2020 - 13:56
BP says:
I have been to Fotografiska "only" twice. You will probably never be disappointed there. The exhibitions really show that photographers are artists. The first picture is so incredibly good, almost like a painting.
Like the whole "concept" of Fotografiska - the exhibitions, the food, the view and not least the special atmosphere in the old customs house.
15 February 2020 - 16:53
JoY says:
Fotografiska is a favourite, saw Nordic life last time but hope to see Erik Johansson before it is taken down.
Can recommend the brunch, certainly just as good at lunch too.
Have a nice weekend
15 February 2020 - 18:40
Christine - 29°. says:
Unfortunately, it has been a long time since I was at Fotografiska. And I would have liked to see "Places Beyond" which looks to be really special and delicious. 🙂
18 February 2020 - 3:50