Photography has long found its way into the hearts and minds of people and although the medium was once ridiculed as an art form, it has eventually made it into the museums of the world as well. Galleries devoted entirely to photography remain rare and perhaps this is why Stockholm’s Fotografiska is among Sweden’s most unique and important art spaces.
Importantly, the Södermalm museum’s contemporary outlook means it doesn’t stop at pretty pictures. Instead, there’s a whole range of experiences here that can fill an entire day – you won’t even go hungry! If you’re headed for Stockholm soon, put some time aside for Fotografiska and get the full exposure.
Take in current exhibitions
An art gallery at its core, Fotografiska prides itself on bringing some of the most talked-about international talent to the Swedish capital. And with four major exhibitions and up to twenty smaller ones a year, there is a whole lot of photographic viewing pleasure to be had on its 2,500 square metres of exhibition space!
Household names like Annie Leibovitz and David LaChapelle have both exhibited here, though if you’re more interested in learning about Sweden’s local talent, rest assured this is also on show. For instance, why not check out the just-opened ‘Fading Stories – pass them on’ exhibition by Swedish photographer Sanna Sjöswärd?
Get shooting with a photo course
In the spirit of a modern museum, Fotografiska is as much a place to get inspired, as it is a place to learn. And the huge success of its photo courses goes to show that improving one’s photography skills isn’t just for Instagrammers – everyone and their dog seems to want to learn about what’s sometimes described as the most democratic visual art form there is!
Whether you’d like to explore portrait photography, studio lighting or learn how to capture the perfect shot on your mobile phone, there’ll be a course that’s just right for you. Enjoy Stockholm so much you could live here? Consider taking a yearlong, in-depth photo course at Fotografiska; we’ve only heard good things.
Sink your teeth into the sustainable delights of Fotografiska’s restaurant
The upstairs café and restaurant area at Fotografiska isn’t a flashy affair (well, aside from the drool-worthy food pictures some guests find themselves taking here), but its interior is certainly camera-ready. Think atmospheric lighting, an open kitchen and exposed timber beams accenting a sloped ceiling – to top things off, there are sweeping views of Stockholm to be enjoyed at the restaurant.
Not that hungry? You should treat yourself to some Nordic delicacies nonetheless, as all meals served here are exceptionally light and comforting, with a strong focus on plant-based eating and sustainable ingredients. We recommend the vegan carrot cake for dessert… You’ll need some sugar to keep you going!
Celebrate the arts with a cocktail at Studio Live
Don’t dare leaving before you’ve made a toast to photographic art? You don’t have to: just make your way to Fotografiska’s cocktail bar and raise a glass of ‘Space Odyssey’ or ‘Gentlewoman’ – signature cocktails here are dedicated to famous photographers, from Nick Brandt to Inez Van Lamsweerde. And of course, there’s music, too!
While Thursday and Friday nights are all about partying it up to the sounds of live bands or international DJs, the rest of the week is a little more relaxed, though equally as fun. From poetry readings to intimate live sessions, there is something happening every night of the week, making it hard to get bored at Fotografiska. This, truly, is the museum of the future.
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