Rackstadmuseet

About the museum

The idea of a museum around the Rackstad Colony, the group of artists who settled around 1900 by Lake Racken outside Arvika, was first raised in the 1940s by the group’s central figure, Gustaf Fjæstad. The plans took firmer shape in the mid-1980s, and in 1987 the Ideella Föreningen Rackstadmuseet (Rackstad Museum Association) was formed. After an architectural competition in 1988, Rune Falk of White arkitekter won with a long exhibition hall that connects to the old main house of the Haget farm by an open glass gallery.

The museum opened in 1993 and was extended five years later with a parallel exhibition wing. The old Klabbelagårn (barn) was then demolished, and the stones from its foundation are now used in the new Klabbelagårn, which houses concerts, conferences and celebrations. Arvika Municipality bought the property in 2012, and since then the association and the museum have been tenants.

On the site there is also the artist’s residence Oppstuhage from 1894, which the sculptor Christian Eriksson had built when he returned from Paris, as well as Bröderna Erikssons möbelverkstad (the Eriksson Brothers’ furniture workshop), which had its heyday in the Jugend period. The collections comprise art, furniture, textiles, ceramics, metalwork and glass connected with the Rackstad Colony, and here is the most comprehensive collection of the colony’s production.

Highlights

• The Rackstad Colony 1898–1920 and Swedish Arts & Crafts
• The artist’s residence Oppstuhage from 1894
• Bröderna Erikssons möbelverkstad (the Eriksson Brothers’ furniture workshop)
• Museum garden with old roses, perennial borders and bees
• Restaurang Asters and the museum shop

Permanent exhibition

• Rackstadkolonin – det nordiska ljuset – Basic exhibition on the art and craft of the Rackstad Colony in the light of the Arts & Crafts movement, with the museum’s collections.

Founded

1993

Operated by

Ideella Föreningen Rackstadmuseet

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for members of the Ideella Föreningen Rackstadmuseet, holders of a press card or AICA card, members of KRO, ICOM, Värmlands Konstnärsförbund (Värmland Artists’ Association) and Sveriges museer, asylum seekers with an LMA card, tour leaders and drivers, and teachers with a class. Membership 2026: SEK 350 individual, SEK 500 family.

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

All public spaces in the main building can be reached by wheelchair and pushchair via a lift; there are thresholds at the entrance and in some galleries. Oppstuhage is not adapted for disabled people. A wheelchair can be borrowed, museum chairs are available in the exhibition, and a hearing loop is installed in the main galleries. Disabled parking near the entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

School programmes for different school years, the children’s own play café in the garden, free admission for children and young people up to 19, and a changing table at the entrance.

Getting there & parking

From Karlstad: E18 to Bergviksmotet and road 61 towards Arvika, then signs to Rackstadmuseet.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers: not available

Restaurant and café Asters serves lunch and fika; museum shop. Cloakroom in the entrance but no lockable lockers. Packed food may not be eaten in the museum or the garden.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Klabbelagårn is used for concerts, conferences and celebrations.

Plan your visit