WANÅS / ART IN THE GREEN
That Skåne has had a turbulent and violent past is not always easy to guess for contemporary travellers. The rural landscape appears sleepy and calm, and its many small fishing villages are full of visitors looking for peace and quiet during the warm and bright summer months. But similar to other areas in-between strong nations fighting over regional dominance, Skåne has for centuries been invaded by both Denmark and Sweden, and many wars have been fought over its dominion.
Wanås Castle was first built when Skåne was part of Denmark. Already then, Skåne was known for its beautiful scenery, uniquely fertile soil and strategic position as gatekeeper to the Baltic Sea. Since then, many noble families, from Brahe and Bille to Ramel and Hamilton, have lived in the castle, and through its long and complicated history one can trace the conflicts between Denmark and Sweden. Since 1801, it belongs to the Wachtmeister family that, around the year 1900, gave the castle its current, medieval-inspired appearance.
In 1987, Wanås Konst was founded and today, more than 70 site-specific artworks – by artists such as Yoko Ono, Jeppe Hein, Nathalie Djurberg, Roxy Paine and Tadashi Kawamata – have been placed in the large park surrounding the white castle. Initially, focus was on Nordic and American artists, but today, works by artists from all around the globe can be found here. Part of the European Land + Art Network (ELAN), Wanås Konst attracts 75 000 visitors every year. As they also organize temporary art exhibitions, every new visit will be different from the previous. It is a place where art, nature and history seamlessly intersect in a dynamic and ever-changing way.
The restaurant and café are often crowded, but once one walks into the woods and follow the paths to discover the many artworks placed all around the estate, the experience becomes more serene. It is advisable to avoid weekends, especially in July, as this is the month when most Swedish people have their summer holiday. Since 2017, it also houses a hotel (which, though nicely decorated, is not worth the price).
