The estate is built on the ruins of a former villa, with Carl Milles carefully excavating the cliff to create the terraces.
Carl Milles is famous for his signature 'flying' statues, which use precise balancing techniques to appear weightless.
The residence contains an extensive collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian antiquities that Milles collected during his travels.
The 'Small Studio' on the grounds was where Milles worked on large-scale models using a ceiling-mounted crane system.
The estate’s fountain, 'Europa and the Bull', is one of the artist's most significant works located within the gardens.
Olga Milles, herself an accomplished painter, significantly influenced the aesthetic development of the house interiors.
The property was donated to the Swedish state in 1936, years before the couple's death, to ensure its preservation as a cultural site.
Millesgården is the former home and studio of sculptor Carl Milles and his wife, artist Olga Milles, perched on a cliffside overlooking the Värtan strait. The museum features an expansive open-air sculpture park designed as a series of terraces and pools that integrate classical and modern bronzes into the landscape. The property includes an indoor art gallery and the couple's original private residence, the Annagården, which retains period interiors. Many of the sculptures are elevated on high columns to create the illusion of figures moving against the sky. The site serves as a testament to Swedish national romanticism and provides sweeping views toward the Stockholm archipelago. The collection features both original works by Carl Milles and rotating contemporary art exhibitions in the gallery spaces.
The upper terrace near the 'Hand of God' sculpture, which offers a clear view of the statues against the sky and water.
Walk the full length of the lower terraces to see how the statues appear to interact with the horizon line of the water.
Check the gallery schedule in advance, as the indoor exhibition space changes frequently throughout the year.
Wear comfortable footwear suitable for climbing the many stone staircases connecting the various garden levels.
Do not attempt to walk through the garden's water features, as they are part of the artistic installation.
Closed on Mondays during the winter season.
Do not touch the outdoor bronze sculptures; keep conversation moderate inside the artist's private residence.
