Everywhere you look, there’s art in Stockholm. Whether you’re in the Open City on a solo trip or on a weekend away from the kids with your partner, world-class museums and galleries lure LGBTQ+ visitors from all over the world to the Swedish capital.
But beyond its countless, cultural institutions, Stockholm is no stranger to creative expression, either. Some of the most fabulous art to discover around town, as a matter of fact, comes in the form of stylish interiors or culinary craftsmanship – here, it’s all about ‘art for art’s sake’… Check out some of our favourite recommendations below!
Hellsten Hotel is a truly eclectic place to see art in Stockholm
One of the Open City’s most raved about, gay-friendly places to stay, Hellsten Hotel is always a good idea. There’s a lot to love about this centrally located and uniquely atmospheric hotel, and that’s not least due to its amazing collection of antiques.
Per Hellsten, the hotel’s founder, was a true globe-trotter before entering the hospitality industry, and it’s thanks to him that Hellsten Hotel is filled with artefacts and hand-made pieces of furniture and decor that make it one of the best places to see art in Stockholm without even having to leave your accommodation!
The Royal Palace makes a great alternative to a museum
We know what you’re thinking – the capital’s vast, Royal Palace in the centre of the Old Town might feel like a museum in some respects (and there is, as a matter of fact, a sculptures museum within its halls). But that’s far from the only thing that makes the compound a good spot to see the many forms creativity can take…
A visit to the remarkable Royal Apartments, for instance, is an amazing way to see art in Stockholm outside the museum: adorned with marble columns, intricately carved doorframes, handmade chandeliers and gold decorations, this part of the Palace is truly magnificent – and if you stop by the Silver Throne as well, you’ll even learn something about Sweden’s early LGBTQ+ history!
The Hills serves up delicious, gastronomic art in Stockholm
The first thing you’ll notice upon stepping into trendy The Hills restaurant in Stockholm’s Södermalm district is the colourful art on its walls. Several paintings kept in warm colours create a welcoming atmosphere here – expect to see art by Harland Miller, Marina Abramović, Damien Hirst and others, all of which is complemented by the eatery’s creative dishes.
Led by head chef Lelle Rössler, The Hills takes immense pride in the presentation of food, and it has its very own handwriting, too: though beautiful to look at, all meals are authentic, rich and hearty, meaning you’ll never have to compromise on taste or portion size. As a matter of fact, it’s each meal’s flavour that makes the restaurant such a great place for culinary art in Stockholm!
Hotel Diplomat is a top spot for creative expression and its devotees
This prestigious address in the Östermalm neighbourhood is still run by Sweden’s Malmström family, who have made it their mission to curate one of the most exciting art collections of any Scandinavian hotel at The Diplomat – which, housed within an Art Nouveau building, is somewhat of a work of art in itself.
Pieces from the family’s private collection are on permanent display across the hotel’s public areas, frequented over the years by many artists (including gay icon Andy Warhol, who stayed here). Meanwhile, the hotel’s 130 rooms and suites have been designed with a focus on creative expression, featuring everything from handmade Italian textiles to designer furniture!