Millesgården Museum: Where Art Meets Serenity

Introduction to Millesgården Museum

Millesgården Museum is a unique art museum and sculpture garden found on the island of Lidingö, within just 20 minutes from the central city of Stockholm, Sweden. Founded by Swedish famous sculptor Carl Milles, together with his wife artist Olga Milles in the early 20th century, this interesting cultural spot was originally their house and studio. The couple, in 1936, donated the property to the Swedish people, transforming it into a foundation that preserves their artistic legacy.

The Millesgården Museum has three main parts: the former residence of artists, a large sculpture park, and an art gallery. The sculpture park contains approximately 100 sculptures by Carl Milles, including large fountains and beautifully flowered terraces, so visitors can walk through these tranquil outdoor spaces while admiring views over Lake Värtan.

Millesgården Museum serves as a haven for art enthusiasts but also as a resting place for those seeking calmness in nature. Featuring a quaint café that serves delicious food and drinks, visitors can retire and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings after admiring the artistic treasures of the museum. This enchanting destination remains a testament to the vision of Carl Milles and continues to inspire thousands of visitors each year with its blend of art, history, and natural beauty.
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Where is Millesgården Museum Located?

Millesgården Museum is located at Herserudsvägen 32 Lidingö, not too far from the central Stockholm in Sweden. This lovely museum and sculpture garden is situated on Lidingö Island; hence, it is a nice retreat from the hectic urban life.

Public transport takes visitors to the Millesgården Museum. The most easy way is to use the subway to Ropsten and then transfer to the buses: 201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 211, or 212. These will take you to Torsviks Torg, and from there you only need to walk for 7 minutes to the museum by following the signs that guide you through the beautiful surroundings. Lidingöbanan can be taken from Ropsten to Torsvik and Baggeby stations located less than two kilometers from Millesgården Museum.

Cars can be parked for free at its main site which is located on Herserudsvägen. Given the location, it reaches significant roads leading to Lidingö, making it even suitable for locals and tourists, respectively.

The Millesgården Museum features an impressive view of the landscape and waterfront surrounding it. Thus, it’s an artistic experience, not just a quiet space to increase your enjoyment of Carl Milles’ extraordinary sculptures and exhibitions. The easy accessibility through public transport or car enables easy immersion into the art and nature.

The Story Behind Millesgården Museum

The story behind Millesgården Museum is artistic passion, dedication, and a deep connection with nature. This unique museum was established in the early 20th century on Lidingö Island, located just outside Stockholm, Sweden. It was once the home and studio of one of Sweden’s most celebrated sculptors, Carl Milles, and his wife, the artist Olga Milles.

The Legacy of Carl and Olga Milles

As strong heirs, they still possess cultural, aesthetic images regarding this nation, which creates long memories from one generation to the other. Carl Milles 1875-1955 was a distinguished sculptor of Sweden from where he made major sculpting works inspired either from antique mythology, history or Mother Nature. His artistic journey had started in Paris, where he studied under the great sculptor Auguste Rodin. He came to master his craft as well as developed a specific style that would combine innovative techniques with traditional motifs.

Carl’s sculptures are characterized by their dynamic forms and intricate details, sometimes crafted from heavy materials, such as granite and bronze. He was famous for his fountains, in which he had successfully combined solid sculptures with the fluidity of water. Such dialogues between the two elements were indeed interesting to look at. Among other notable works, he also did the Poseidon statue in Gothenburg and the Gustaf Vasa statue in the Nordic Museum in Stockholm. He made sculptures seem weightless with the help of a hidden steel construction that interacted with the surrounding environment in a fascinating way.

In 1936, Carl and Olga Milles donated their home and studio, Millesgården, to the Swedish people, making sure that their artistic legacy would not fade with time. The foundation presents an extensive body of work by Carl and also witnesses the dedication to art and education of this couple. The museum features a fantastic sculpture park with more than 100 creations by Carl, challenging visitors to participate in an encounter with nature and art.

The outstanding painter in her own right was Olga Milles, born Granner. She had been an important part of Carl’s life and work, not just because of the relationship she was having with him but also for being an inspiration to each other through her and his art. Some of her paintings adorn the artistic atmosphere of Millesgården Museum where they complement Carl’s sculptures for the enrichment of visitors.
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The Sculpture Garden: A Walk Through Art

The Sculpture Garden of Millesgården Museum is an incredible oasis that invites people to plunge deep into the creative genius of Carl Milles. Situated on the lovely Lidingö island, which is just a short drive from Stockholm, this charming garden unites art and nature to give every ardent visitor an experience in keeping with their unique taste and understanding of art.

A Journey Through Art and Nature

As you walk around the Sculpture Garden, you will see more than 100 sculptures made by Carl Milles carefully positioned in a beautifully landscaped setting. The garden has an Italian design, which means terraced levels, beautiful fountains, and curvaceous paths that lead to breathtaking views over Lake Värtan. The whole blend of art and nature invites visitors to wander through and enjoy at their own pace.

Iconic Works

Among the highlights in the sculpture garden is the “Gods and Heroes” fountain, which becomes the epicenter of the park. This monumental work by Milles is a show of perfection in form and narration-the figures from Greek mythology will be seen in dynamic poses conveying motions and emotions. In this kind of stroll in the gardens, you will also find some whimsy sculptures of water sprites and playful figures, displaying Milles’ imagination that he has for his art form.

Panoramic Views

Among the many fascinating attractions of Millesgården Museum’s Sculpture Garden is the fantastic views offered. Panoramic terraces raised from the earth open up panoramic views to Stockholm’s archipelago; thus, there are good opportunities for experiencing not only the aesthetic value of Milles’ sculpture but also that of nature. Scenic points here can be wonderful photo-taking areas or places for quiet reflection and relaxation in an otherwise calm environment.

Interactive Experiences

The Sculpture Garden is a feast for the eyes, but it also provides educational programs and workshops designed for visitors of all ages. These activities will engage visitors with the art and deepen their understanding of Carl Milles’ creative process. Whether you’re attending guided tours or hands-on workshops, there are many opportunities to connect with the art in meaningful ways.

Inside the Artist’s Home

Inside the Artist’s Home at Millesgården Museum provides interesting views of the lives and personal and creative spaces of well-known Swedish sculptor Carl Milles and his wife, artist Olga Milles. Situated on the top level of this site of beauty, their old dwelling is a witness to their artistic history but also a perfectly preserved dwelling of personal taste and artistic pursuits.

A Unique Architectural Gem

Construction of Millesgården Museum started in 1906, commissioned by Carl and Olga Milles as a combined residence and studio. The house is known for its beautiful interiors, which combine functionality with artistic taste. There are several rooms that the visitors can tour, displaying the couple’s eclectic collection of antique sculptures, artworks, and personal items that illustrate their lives as artists. It’s an art itself, having a very open layout to the outside where natural light can flood through the spaces and enhance the ambiance.

The Large Studio

Carl’s Large Studio is one of the many attractions in the artist’s home. He created many of his famous sculptures in this studio. It’s filled with tools, materials, and works in progress, offering an insight into his creative process. Here, one can admire the surroundings where Carl Milles brought his artistic ideas to life. The design of the studio provokes a person to explore and reflect upon how many hours Carl Milles spent sculpting under such inspiring views of the landscape surrounding him.

Artistic Collaborations

The house also boasts Anne’s House, a house furnished by the celebrated Swedish designers Estrid Ericson and Josef Frank from Svenskt Tenn. It’s a warm space compared to Carl’s studio in interior design and decor. This is an indication of the way the couple shared their lives together; this is the spirit of the collaborative nature that defined art for them, not limited to sculpture but extending it into every part of the house.

Temporary Exhibitions

Situated next to the artist’s house is the Art Gallery, which features temporary exhibitions of both historical and contemporary art. This gallery adds to the artistic feel of Millesgården Museum, giving the visitor a chance to see an excellent spread of artistic expression while paying respect to Carl and Olga Milles’s legacy.

Visitor Experience

Explore Inside the Artist’s Home, to touch on the personal history of two influential artists. It’s a very quiet, personal space in which you are free to roam about their living spaces, looking at their collections and seeing where the inspirations were drawn. Take your time while visiting to absorb not just the art but also the stories behind each piece and room. This part of Millesgården Museum is an unforgettable experience for all who seek to understand the lives of these remarkable artists, thanks to its combination of stunning architecture, rich history, and artistic heritage.

The Museum Shop and Café Experience

The Millesgården Museum has so much more than the excellent art exhibitions and the sculpture park. It provides a nice café and a very well-curated museum shop, which complement the visit nicely. Here’s what you can expect from the Museum Shop and Café Experience at Millesgården museum:

The Museum Shop

There lies the Millesgården Museum Shop, which resembles more a gold reserve of unique items than mere products. It’s something featuring a diverse selection of productions related to Carl Milles or merely anything pertaining to or related to his work but also gifts for all kinds of ages. Some other highlights include:

Artistic Souvenirs: The shop sells several souvenirs inspired by the sculptures of Carl Milles, including prints of his sketches and original pewter products that remind of the designs in his works.
Books and Publications: There are various books about Carl Milles, his artistic life, and the history of Millesgården for anyone interested in learning more about the subject.
Home Décor: The shop carries unique pieces, including the Milles flower pot. That Carl Milles created for his wife in the 1920s, and this model is available in a few sizes. It’s the ideal vessel for displaying everything from seasonal flowers to indoor plants.
Gifts for All Ages: For the smallest of children to the most adult of adults, the shop has a product for everyone. The product mix includes toys, decorative products, and art-inspired items.

The museum shop can be accessed without paying a fee to enter, so anyone interested in unique art-related products will want to stop in.

The Café Experience

The Millesgården Lanthandel is set on the lower terrace in the museum. It creates a cozy atmosphere, so that one could sit around there, and look out towards the amazing sculpture park. That’s what you can see:

Delicious Menu: The menu here comes with some great lunch ideas and snacks. You will love their seasonal dishes made out of fresh, local foodstuffs. One can taste their sandwiches, salads, pastries, and coffee along with enjoying the beauty.
Relaxing Ambiance: Enjoy the warm ambiance and picture-perfect views of the gardens and fountains within this café, which is just the right place to come and relax after visiting the museum. Diners may sit indoors or on the open-air terrace.
Perfect for All Occasions: The café has been designed to be accessible to all, whether a family, friends, or even an individual, making it a perfect place to simply rest and ponder your artistic travel through Millesgården.

Planning Your Visit to Millesgården Museum

Plan your tour to Millesgården Museum: Art, Culture and Nature will provide for an enjoyable experience. Just a click away are all you need to know for maximum pleasure.

Opening Hours

Millesgården Museum is available on Tuesday to Sunday at 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM but closed on Mondays. Also, find out for any holiday schedules or exception before you go.

Admission Fees

Adults: 170 SEK
Students: 140 SEK
Children (0-18 years): Free entry
Groups (minimum 10 people): 140 SEK per person

For those who plan to visit the museum, consider purchasing an entry ticket online here.

Getting There

Millesgården Museum is conveniently located at Herserudsvägen 32, 181 50 Lidingö, just a short distance from central Stockholm. Here are your options for reaching the museum:

Public Transportation: Take the subway to Ropsten, then transfer to bus numbers 201, 202, 204, 205, 206, 211, or 212 to Torsviks Torg. From there, it’s a pleasant 7-minute walk to the museum. Alternatively, you can take the Lidingöbanan tram from Ropsten to either Torsvik or Baggeby, both of which are also a short walk away.
By Car: Free parking is available at the museum’s entrance on Herserudsvägen.
Bicycle: For cycling enthusiasts, there is a bike path across the Lidingö bridge leading directly to the museum.

Visitor Guidelines

To ensure a pleasant experience for everyone:

No large bags are allowed as there are limited storage places.
Children should not be left unattended as they may climb on sculptures and walls.
Some parts of the sculpture park are not accessible during winter.
No studded shoes are allowed inside.
Dogs are not allowed in the museum area.
Do not bring drinks in glass bottles.