Dag Granath

Dag Granath, co-founder of Saman Amel, shares his Stockholm through places closely tied to his daily life – from the Halleroed-designed atelier he shares with Saman Amel to the galleries and restaurants he returns to. His advice is simple: come now, in spring.

Where do you go to see art in Stockholm?

Our favourite galleries in Stockholm are Galerie Nordenhake and Andréhn-Schiptjenko which we always enjoy visiting. Beyond that, we are fortunate enough to have many artists as friends and clients so we often get the chance to visit artists in their studio. Being able to learn first hand about artists work like that is a true privilege and feeds the soul with inspiration.

A place in the city that always inspires you?

My workplace. The atelier where we see clients was designed by our friends Halleroed and we’ve got great help from Galerie Nordenhake with the art. In my office I have my library and we also keep all of our thousands of fabric swatches and references here. Although you spend lots of time on the screen, I believe my workplace gives me opportunity to interact with physical things and this gives me great pleasure.

Your favourite spot to eat & drink?

We love the classics, but a more recent favorite is Bord. Joel Aronsson and the team there are really doing something really great and after many visits it never disappoints.

One thing you’d recommend to someone visiting Stockholm for the first time?

Come in the Spring.

Sara Bourke

Sara Bourke, Director of Carl Eldh’s Ateljémuseum shares her go-to places in the city. When she’s not at the Ragnar Östberg building she calls her office, she often finds herself in another by the same architect.

Where do you go to see art in Stockholm?

I love exploring the monumental outdoor sculptures scattered around Djurgården and across Stockholm. Experiencing large-scale art out in the open—set against water, trees, or simply the city itself—gives it a different kind of presence. The pieces along Djurgården’s quieter paths are my favourites; there’s something powerful about encountering sculpture in nature rather than inside a museum.

A place in the city that always inspires you?

Stadshuset—especially the outdoor colonnade with its beautiful painted ceiling. There’s something almost ceremonial about standing beneath those colours while looking out over the water. It’s one of the places where the city’s history, architecture, and atmosphere meet in a way that feels both grand and deeply human.

Your favourite spot to eat & drink?

For food and atmosphere, I always return to BORD—it’s my local, tucked close to the Carl Eldhs Studio Museum, and it has that warm, lived-in feeling that makes you want to stay longer than planned. For a drink, I love Teaterbaren; it has a timeless charm and a quietly theatrical mood.

One thing you’d recommend to someone visiting Stockholm for the first time?

Take a ferry from Nybrokajen out toward the islands—no plan needed. Just ride, hop off, wander, and let the city unfold from the water. It’s the most honest way to understand Stockholm, without the usual tourist gloss.

Carl Larsson

The Swedish-born, Los Angeles-based art advisor, dealer, and founder of The Art Reporter shares his top tips in Stockholm.

Where do you go to see art in Stockholm?

Two of my favorite stops when I’m back in Stockholm are Millesgården on Lidingö and Carl Eldh’s Studio Museum with their ongoing exhibitions. I also love visiting the galleries that have moved to Östermalm like Galerie Nordenhake, Andréhn-Schiptjenko, Saskia Neuman Gallery and CFHILL. They all maintain a truly international level in their programs.

A place in the city that always inspires you?

Skeppsholmen. The mix of water, boats, and the iconic Moderna Museet building feels quintessentially Stockholm – creative, serene, and slightly melancholic, with the best perspective of the city’s beautiful architecture.

Your favourite spot to eat & drink?

Ett Hem – if you’re not staying there, book a table for lunch or dinner and wander around the property to indulge in the art and design collection that’s been so carefully curated in its own way. Ett Hem has become a bit of a thing in the US – you will understand why!

One thing you’d recommend to someone visiting Stockholm for the first time?

Put on your walking shoes and explore Djurgården. Enjoy the fantastic site-specific sculptures scattered around the island, and make sure to stop at Waldemarsudde and Thielska Galleriet along the way.

Silvana Lagos

Silvana Lagos is a curator and writer based between London, UK and Stockholm, Sweden.

Where do you go to see art in Stockholm?

Where I go to experience art in Stockholm really depends, I feel that the program at Moderna Museet has gotten stronger over the years with presentations by Rashid Johnson, and Mike Kelley, and also showcasing new acquisitions in their collection which changes regularly, I loved the presentation of Arthur Jafa. It’s a small space, so you can really spend a lot of time with the works. But I’m mostly excited about the new galleries that have also shown up over the last years, Coulisse Gallery and the new kid in town Gerdman Gallery. Both are showing artists that I wouldn’t see everywhere else, so that I really appreciate, and I appreciate newness and something that is intrinsic Scandi.

A place in the city that always inspires you?

I love autumn walks in Skogskyrkogården, especially during All Saint’s Day in the beginning of November, when the whole park is lit up with candles everywhere, it is really worth the trip. And I love that there is also a pet cemetery there. There is something quite majestic about the whole space, and seeing it in autumn is the best season with the leaves changing.

Your favourite spot to eat & drink?

This is a hard one, because the food game in Stockholm has definitely upgraded and keeps upgrading all the time, I love it! Bistro Mirabelle for hearty comfort food, and Stockholm Stadhotell, where you can spend a night with beautiful design pieces and eat the most delicious food.

One thing you’d recommend to someone visiting Stockholm for the first time?

I would start with an architecture tour of the city. There is so much to see, from Stockholm’s Stadsbibliotek, to Mariahissen, so many hidden gems. And definitely go to the National Museum because, since its reopening, you get to see the collection of both design and old masters in a whole new light.

Fredrik Carlström

Creative Director Fredrik Carlström shares his tips on how to approach Stockholm – the city he’s from and frequently returns to – often to “his” Stockholm Stadshotell. From where he eats and drinks to the museums he revisits, this is his version of the city.

Where do you go to see art in Stockholm?

There are so many incredible galleries. I’m particularly fond of Saskia Neuman, Magnus Karlsson, Steinsland Berliner, and Coulisse. Moderna Museet is, of course, a must – so are Waldemarsudde and the Nationalmuseum. One highlight from last year was ‘Romanticism’, curated by Carl-Johan Olsson. And then there’s the subway: you can see world-class art for the price of a ticket.

A place in the city that always inspires you?

Stockholm Stadsbibliotek is such a beautiful building. The way the entire concept is tied together – from the drinking fountains to the chairs – is a masterpiece. I also love Stockholm’s nature: all the parks, the water, and the city’s closeness to the wild.

Your favourite spot to eat & drink?

If I can’t say Stockholm Stadshotell, then Babette, PA&Co, and Bar Nîmes.

One thing you’d recommend to someone visiting Stockholm for the first time?

Swedes can be a little shy, so spend time in places where creatives gather – or better yet, come with a small project. Make a point of setting up a meeting with someone you find inspiring, and the city will open up to you.

Laurent Leksell

Larry Leksell is the founder and chairman of Swedish med-tech company Elekta and has been a passionate art collector for over 40 years.

Where do you go to see art in Stockholm?

Stockholm has a very vibrant art scene! My favorite experience is foremost to do a round at major contemporary art galleries on Östermalm and Hudiksvallsgatan, plus at the Royal Academy of Arts. Depending on what’s on view, I often take a nice walk in the park of Waldermarsudde or Thielska Galleriet and end my walk with a lunch in their kitchens and a look at the sculptures in the park. I particularly like the sculptures by Elmgreen & Dragset and Giuseppe Penone.

A place in the city that always inspires you?

I have three, and they are the ones with natural beauty. These are Djurgården, our unique city national park, followed by a contemplative walk on Strandvägen to walk around Skeppsholmen looking at the  boats of all kinds being moored on the quays.

Your favourite spot to eat & drink?

To have lunch I go to Östermalmshallen and Lisa Elmkvist for their excellent fish and shellfish. For dinner I stroll to the family restaurant Bobonne at Storgatan for their excellent food and great wine list. For a drink before dinner I hit either Grand Hotel Cadier Bar, Bank Hotel’s top floor bar for its views or the wine bar Batard or Schmaltz on Nybrogatan for a glass of white Burgundy.

One thing you’d recommend to someone visiting Stockholm for the first time?

I think if you are a firsttimer in Stockholm and weather is good, I would recommend a visit to the Wasa Museum and then take a rental bike around Djurgården, and finish off with a lunch at Rosendalsterassen. If the weather is bad, I would grab a city guide and stroll around Old Town and then end up with a visit to the National Museum. I think that route captures the most interesting centuries of the diverse history and culture of Sweden.