Norrköpings Konstmuseum

About the museum

The history of Norrköping Art Museum began around 1900 with a generous donation from the industrialist Pehr Swartz. His gift of several hundred artworks was exhibited in Villa Swartz, which then served as both museum and library. Young art had no place in the museum’s intimate period rooms of older art, and the discussion of a museum for the present gained momentum. The founding of the town’s first art museum coincided with the breakthrough of modernism.

In 1946 the museum moved into the present building at Kristinaplatsen, designed by the town architect Kurt von Schmalensee. The sculpture park around the museum was inaugurated on 24 September 1960 after a donation from the master builder Sture Gillgård, and it was designed by the town gardener Stig Hellerström. Today it has 16 artworks, 15 of them sculptures, by, among others, Carl Milles, Elli Hemberg and Jacob Dahlgren.

The collection comprises about 1,500 paintings, almost all Swedish, from the 17th century onwards, with an emphasis on modernism by artists such as Gösta Adrian-Nilsson, Isaac Grünewald, Sigrid Hjertén and Vera Nilsson, as well as various forms of abstraction. The museum manages the archive of Otto G. Carlsund and has one of the country’s largest print collections. Only a small part is shown in the galleries, and it is rehung regularly. The art museum is also responsible for public art in Norrköping.

Highlights

• Swedish modernism by Grünewald, Hjertén, Adrian-Nilsson and Vera Nilsson
• One of the country’s largest print collections
• The sculpture park with works by Carl Milles, Elli Hemberg and Jacob Dahlgren
• Public art at more than 100 sites in Norrköping
• Ateljé Krumeluren (studio) for children and families

Founded

1946

Operated by

Norrköpings kommun

Admission & discounts

Always free admission to galleries 1 and 2; the admission fee of SEK 90 applies to the temporary exhibitions, and one ticket covers all current exhibitions. Free admission for members of Konstmuseets Vänner (Friends of the Art Museum) and with the Sveriges museer card and ICOM card. 50% discount with the Kulturarvskortet.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The entrance has both stairs and a ramp. The three floors are reached by lift (door opening 90 cm, floor area 300 × 100 cm). The toilets are one flight down and are reached by lift; one is accessible. A hearing loop is in the lecture hall Harlekinen. There is no platform lift. Disabled parking is near the entrance on Jacob Ekboms gata.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Ateljé Krumeluren is the museum’s art workshop, where children, young people and adults can paint, sculpt or felt wool; activities during school holidays and weekends are free. Barnens konstfredag (Children’s Art Friday) is aimed at children up to 6 years, and craft materials are available at the creators’ table. There is a changing table in the toilet and room for pushchairs one flight down.

Getting there & parking

The museum lies at Kristinaplatsen, at the top of Drottninggatan, opposite the city library. From the E4, follow the signs towards the centre and Södra promenaden.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Café open Saturdays and Sundays during the autumn’s regular opening hours (coffee, tea and pastries); otherwise coffee, tea and ice cream are sold, and visitors may eat their own packed lunch at the café tables in the entrance or in the sculpture park. Museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 80 guests.

The film and programme hall Harlekinen (built 1964) has 80 seats, a projection screen, a sound system and a grand piano.

Plan your visit