Artipelag

During the last several decades, many art institutions have transformed into tourist destinations in their own right.

Many of them have been inspired by the extreme success of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao – even the city’s name has over the years become synonymous with the signature museum building.

When Björn and Lillemor Jakobson contacted architect Johan Nyrén, they also mentioned Bilbao as part of the brief, but in an unexpected way:

Their ambition was to create the complete opposite of what Guggenheim had done. Landmark buildings such as the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum, the Sydney Opera House or the Burj Khalifa have become iconic because of the way the design starkly contrasts with the surrounding nature.

At Artipelag, the goal was instead to adapt to the existing nature, and to adhere to its particular topography and personality, not changing it.

The name “Artipelag” can be slightly irritating when you first hear it. You think you recognize its meaning, but fail to fully being able to explain it.

This is because it combines three common concepts that are not evidently related to one another: art, activities and archipelago.

Perched on the cliffs off an island in the south part of the Stockholm archipelago, approximately 20 kilometres from the city centre, it sits on 22 hectares of land.

Its long, decked walkway, made from local larch trees, follows the direction of the fjord, continuing through the surrounding forest and stretches 800 metres in total, every part accessible to wheelchairs.

As much as possible of the natural landscape was left untouched throughout the construction process, and many rocks, trees and bushes were kept and even put back into their previous place, once the building was completed.

The paths around the art centre are clearly marked, so that visitors will leave the many blueberry and lingonberry twigs intact.

The roof, inspired by the Oslo Opera House, is accessible for any who wants to rest between exhibitions and do some sunbathing.

This is where the café and restaurant grow their herbs and vegetables. As far as possible, Artipelag grow their own food and source what they can locally, which aligns its current practice with its initial philosophy.

Artipelag is not a generic art destination, but a celebration of the specific qualities found in this particular place and part of the world.

The building consists of 10 000 square metres, while the actual art centre itself spans over 3000 square metres, and is thus one of Sweden’s largest art museums.

The exhibition space covers approximately 1000 square metres, and includes a wall that measures 65 metres in total, with large windows turning towards the Baggen-fjord outside.

Ever since it opened in 2012, the strategy has been to avoid niche exhibitions, instead striving for a variety and inclusivity in what is displayed.

Artipelag not only showcases art but also design, architecture and everything in-between, while also setting up operas and dance performances.

The interior space is minimalist, mostly made from naturally grey concrete that was moulded on site. Inspired by Baden-Baden’s Museum Frieder Burda, the visitor’s experience should be as if “one were walking on air” when passing through the large, bright spaces, as Björn Jakobson once stated.

Even before having completely stepped inside the museum, it is possible to see straight through the building, as opposite the entrance is a large glass wall, overlooking the forest and beyond that, the fjord that connects this water to the Baltic Sea.

The closeness to the water is also what makes many visitors preferring to take the ferry here (which leaves Stockholm on a daily basis). There are also spaces for those who prefer taking their own boat.

Artipelag was designed for visitors who like to stay a while, and who want to avoid rushing through the experience, and so there are always several exhibitions open at the same time. There is not only a café but also a restaurant (with several chambres séparées) as well as a large outdoor deck.

Don’t miss the art that is discreetly placed outside in the forest, and on the rocks where land meets the sea. 

Artipelag

Gustavsberg, Sweden