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Museums #10 in Gothenburg

Gothenburg Museum of Art

4.6 · 3,711 reviews
A quiet place for contemplation
Gothenburg Museum of Art, Götaplatsen 6, 412 56 Göteborg, Sweden
Interesting facts
1

The museum holds the Hasselblad Foundation's photography collection, one of the most prominent in Northern Europe.

2

The building was constructed specifically to house the city's expanding art collection during the 1923 World Fair.

3

The exterior brickwork is specifically designed to change color and texture appearance based on the quality of Nordic light.

4

It maintains a specialized collection of pre-Raphaelite works, which is rare for Scandinavian museums.

5

The museum serves as the primary institution for the city's extensive collection of Old Master paintings.

6

The grand staircase interior was designed with specific acoustic considerations to maintain a sense of solemnity for visitors.

Overview

The Gothenburg Museum of Art sits at the southern end of the Kungsportsavenyn boulevard and holds one of the most significant collections of Nordic art from the 19th century. The museum building, designed by Sigfrid Ericson and Arvid Bjerke, was constructed for the 1923 Gothenburg Exhibition to celebrate the city's tercentenary. Its collection encompasses over 70,000 works, ranging from the 15th century to contemporary pieces. A highlight is the Fürstenberg Gallery, which features major works by Scandinavian masters like Anders Zorn, Carl Larsson, and P.S. Krøyer. The museum also houses an extensive collection of French impressionism and post-impressionism, including works by Monet, Picasso, and Rembrandt. The building's yellow brick facade is a hallmark of the Nordic Classicism architectural style. It is recognized as a three-star museum in the Michelin Green Guide due to the quality and depth of its art historical holdings.

Photo spot

The view from the top of the stairs looking out toward the Poseidon fountain at Götaplatsen.

Insider tips

Prioritize the Fürstenberg Gallery on the third floor, as it is the most historically significant section of the museum.

Check the rotating exhibition schedule on their official website before arriving, as temporary displays often feature international contemporary artists.

Use the provided elevator if navigating the multiple levels, as the building's layout spans several distinct wings.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to see the entire 70,000-piece collection in a single day; focus on the primary galleries.

Good to know

Closed on Mondays throughout the year.

Etiquette

Large bags and backpacks must be placed in lockers; no food or drink permitted in the galleries.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
2-3 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings to avoid school groups and weekend crowds.
Address
Gothenburg Museum of Art, Götaplatsen 6, 412 56 Göteborg, Sweden
57.697, 11.981
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsFürstenberg Gallery, Rembrandt's 'The Kitchen Maid', and the Hasselblad Center photography collection.
Architectural styleNordic Classicism

Frequently asked

Plan for about 2-3 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings to avoid school groups and weekend crowds..

The view from the top of the stairs looking out toward the Poseidon fountain at Götaplatsen.

Close by you'll find Liseberg, Universeum, Trädgårdsföreningen (The Garden Society).