Art goes on tour during Sweden’s Nationalmuseum renovations

STOCKHOLM.- Last spring, the Swedish government gave the go-ahead for planning work to start on the renovation of Nationalmuseum. Next year, the collections and museum operations will temporarily vacate the building. Members of the public, both in Sweden and abroad, will still have the opportunity to experience the art thanks to collaborations, touring exhibitions and temporary venues.

Until 3 February 2013, visitors can still enjoy an extensive range of programming and exhibitions in the Nationalmuseum building, culminating in a spectacular final weekend on 2–3 February. The building will then close to prepare for renovations.

- An exciting time lies ahead. We’ll have a little more freedom during the renovation period, and we’ll be partnering with other museums and galleries in Sweden and abroad. We now have the opportunity to increase the number of venues showing our collections, and we’re honoured that so many of our fellow museums are willing to collaborate, says Berndt Arell, Director General of Nationalmuseum.

Taking down The Andrians by Rubens. Photo: Hans Thorwid/Nationalmuseum.

Nationalmuseum has a mandate to promote interest in art throughout Sweden, and to support art in the regions. At some venues, Nationalmuseum’s collections will meet pieces from local collections. What’s more, a new art hotspot will be created when Nationalmuseum takes up temporary residence as the guest of Konstakademien (The Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts) at Fredsgatan 12 in Stockholm. This will be the venue for exhibitions and programs for all ages. The opening exhibition, starting on 13 June, features a much loved artist: Carl Larsson. Friends and Foes. Occupying three galleries, the exhibition will include works from Nationalmuseum plus works on loan from private collections and other museums.

The renovation project is intended to create the conditions for a modern museum to flourish in the Nationalmuseum building while preserving the integrity of its architectural heritage. The new Nationalmuseum will be an open, visitor-friendly place where art can be experienced on both a large and a small scale, in a sustainable building. The long-awaited renovation will better equip the building both to welcome visitors and to protect the art treasures that make up Nationalmuseum’s collections.

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