Sven-Harry's Art Museum is a gold-coloured museum in the middle of Vasa Park in Stockholm, with a large roof terrace and a replica of the 18th century Ekholmsnäs farm. Here Sven-Harry Karlsson showcases his impressive art collection, as well as hosting various temporary art and design exhibitions.
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Readers told us about the Sven-Harry Art Museum
When we wrote the post last autumn Autumn weekend in Stockholm - our top tips we also asked your readers for their tips. Several mentioned "Sven-Harrys in Vasaparken". We had never heard of Sven-Harry's, but we were naturally curious. We decided already then that we would make a visit, and this weekend it happened.
Two days at the Sven-Harry Art Museum
Last Saturday we cycled to the Sven-Harry Art Museum, which is indeed located in Vasaparken. I (Helena) lived on St Eriksgatan when I was younger and have spent a lot of time in the park, but this building was only completed in 2011, which may explain why I've never even seen it before.
We found our way in through the side of the house facing away from the park and were then shown to the two temporary exhibitions currently on display. We also found our way up to the lovely roof terrace. When we left, it still felt a bit "empty", as if there should have been something more in the big house.
And it did! When we got home and googled it, we realised that we might have missed it! most importantnamely 'home'. We simply had to cycle back on Sunday. But we will start by showing some of the temporary exhibitions!
Temporary exhibitions
Exhibitions at the Sven-Harry Art Museum vary, and the two exhibitions we saw are only on display until 9 February. After that, there will be an exhibition on fashion, among other things.
Alexander Lervik Imagination x12
We checked out the 'Imaginations x12' exhibition, which features 12 different works by designer Alexander Lervik exploring the intersection of art and design.
The artwork Vanitati Carpet is about Lervik's fear of flying that hindered him for many years, and how his former dream of flying in today's world no longer feels right.
The Kinship method
The second exhibition, The Kinship Method, is about how five designers were challenged to break patterns. They each had to design a chair, then take over another's chair and use 20-40 per cent of its shape to make a new chair. And then this was repeated one more time.
Art on Sven-Harry's roof terrace
We also found our way up to the roof terrace. There is a large collection of art, selected by Sven-Harry, which grows bigger every year.
You also have a fantastic view of Vasaparken. It was raining when we cycled to the museum, but when we stepped out onto the terrace we were lucky, and the sun came out.
Sven-Harry Karlsson
What we missed on Saturday was the entire collection of Sven-Harry Karlsson. Sven-Harry comes from Lund and was a Swedish master builder. He has a passionate interest in art, and over the years he has built up an increasingly large art collection. Today, a replica of Sven-Harry's entire former home, Ekholmsnäs on Lidingö, has been built at the top of the museum.
Ekholmsnäs - home and art collection
Ekholmsnäs is a farm from the 18th century, and a replica of the farm's downstairs is now in the Sven-Harry Art Museum. It contains both furnishings from the farm and a large part of Sven-Harry's art collection. You can't see the floor yourself, but must go with a guide. Our guide was both knowledgeable and enthusiastic, so it was a really interesting tour.
One of the most unusual pieces of art meets you just as you enter the door. However, the standing figure on the stone was not originally there, but was placed there by the artist at a later date. Living art!
The art collection in the home consists mostly of works painted by Swedish artists such as Ernst Josephson, August Strindberg, Carl Fredrik Hill and Dan Wolgers. There is also art by some Nordic artists, such as the Norwegian Edvard Munch. On the floor are carpets by Märta Måås-Fjetterström.
For us it was a bit interesting to see art by Strindberg, as we recently visited the Centre. Strindberg Museum. Overall, it was interesting to take a guided tour. The stories behind them add another dimension to the artworks.
Have you been to the Sven-Harry Art Museum? What did you think?
Facts about Sven-Harry Art Museum
- Address: Eastmansvägen 10-12, 113 61 Stockholm
- Location: At Vasaparken in Stockholm
- Find here: Subway to St Eriksplan or Odenplan, or bus 3 or 4.
- More info: You can find more information at the museum's website
Opening hours
- Regular opening hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 11-19, Thursday 11-21, Friday 11-19, Saturday-Sunday 11-17, Monday closed (2020).
- Different opening hours: Opening hours may vary, especially on public holidays. See the museum's website for current information.
Prices
- Entrance to the art centre: 130 SEK for adults, 90 SEK for pensioners and students, free for children up to 18 years old (2020).
- Entrance to the home and art centre: 180 SEK for adults, 140 SEK for pensioners and students, free for children up to 18 years old (2020).
- Annual pass: 350 (2020)
Displays
- The art centre: Guided tours are given in the art gallery. See the museum's website for current times and tours.
- The home: Sven-Harry's home and art collection are always viewed with a host. See the museum's website for times.
Service
- Food: Guld Kaffe & Kök serves food and cuisine. Packed lunches can be eaten in Vasaparken.
- Wardrobe: Unattended wardrobe with lockable cabinets is available. Prams cannot be taken into the home, but can be left in the wardrobe.
- Shop: Small souvenir shop available.
Accessibility
- Mobility impairment: Lift to all floors. Wheelchair accessible entrance from Eastmantie 10. No obstructing thresholds. Accessible toilet on floor 1.
- Hearing impairment: If you bring a mobile hearing loop, it can be used for guiding.
- Visual impairment: Staff are happy to provide additional information if time permits, but there is no access to audio description or Braille. Guide dogs are welcome.
- Companions: Companions have free entry.
You might also like:
Visiting Skansen - open-air museum in Stockholm
Prince Eugens Waldemarsudde - art in beautiful surroundings
Thielska Galleriet on Djurgården - and a boat trip
Moderna museet in Stockholm - Art on Skeppsholmen
ArkDes - museum of architecture and design
East Asian Museum in Stockholm - Japan, China, Korea
English (UK) 
Svenska 
Deutsch 
Suomi 
Polski
Lisa says:
Thanks again for the tip. Will be keen to visit Sven Harrys. Have also lived in Vasastan when I studied in my youth. Lived namely on Sigtunagatan.
05 February 2020 - 11:07
Helena says:
What fun that you also lived in Vasastan! I had to google Sigtunagatan, and it is really close to Vasaparken! 🙂
05 February 2020 - 20:15
Lena in Wales says:
Another good tip from Stockholm. Have just read and commented on the post about the Strindberg Museum.
Have heard about this museum, but have not been there.
At least it's on my list, after the Strindberg stuff.
Take care!
05 February 2020 - 11:34
Helena says:
I'm glad we were able to inspire some museums! Both of these museums are really nice!
05 February 2020 - 20:15
BP says:
Yes, I have visited the museum a number of times, including the private floor. Really like the place, as it is totally different. You either like the exhibitions or you don't, but they are innovative.
Did you go through the 'hall of mirrors' next to the restaurant? The hallway is as cool as it gets.
05 February 2020 - 18:54
Helena says:
Yes, I think you were one of those who tipped us off! We liked the museum very much, but we probably missed the "hall of mirrors"... We never went into the restaurant...
05 February 2020 - 20:16
bmlarstravellingblog says:
We were on our way there a couple of years ago when they showed an exhibition of beautiful dresses, I think it was called "Secrets of Couture". Then some other things got in the way during our visit to Stockholm so the museum is still waiting for a visit.
05 February 2020 - 20:10
Helena says:
That's what happens sometimes! But the museum is really worth a visit! 🙂
05 February 2020 - 20:16
Lena - good for the soul says:
I've never heard of him or the museum. What a fun thing to do with the chairs!
Hug Lena
06 February 2020 - 6:22
Ann-Louise Paulsson says:
I've never heard of this and haven't noticed it when I've been to Vasaparken. Might have to make a visit, if only for the view from the roof!
06 February 2020 - 21:19