Art Treasures and Light-Sensitive Objects at Gustavianum
After several years of renovation, Gustavianum reopened its doors to visitors this summer—now you can experience one of the country’s largest art collections up close. On the second floor, you’ll find a rich selection of the finest works from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, including the famous Augsburg Art Cabinet, gifted to Gustav II Adolf in 1632.
It’s hard to pick a highlight from this extensive museum, but the temporary exhibition “Light Sensitive” is definitely worth a visit. Light-sensitive works such as watercolors, pastels, and textile pieces are on display for a limited time in subdued lighting to preserve their beauty.
Occult Art and Hands-On Creativity at Uppsala Art Museum
Should you need yet another reason to visit Uppsala Art Museum—housed in the city’s pink castle—the exhibition Tyra Kleen: Ever Searching is a must for art lovers and curious museum-goers alike. This is the most comprehensive presentation of Tyra Kleen’s artistry to date. Discover her symbolist paintings and lithographs, many of which are being shown for the very first time, reflecting her fascination with the occult and spiritual.
The art museum also offers a unique opportunity to participate in the artwork In(ter)vention: I felt like a human being by Anna Haglund. On three occasions (September 21, 26, and 28), you can register for free to take part in this interactive sound artwork that explores listening, presence, and interaction.
Beyond the Major Museums: Street Art and Silver Jewelry
Apart from great major museums, Uppsala also has several independent galleries and smaller cultural centers with intriguing exhibitions. Two of them are Kaleido and Galleri Wildstyle.
Kaleido is a cooperative of artists who exhibit their work in a unique setting—the old freight house next to Uppsala’s central station. This season, you can look forward to spectacular silver jewelry by Enny Sundell, metalwork by Daniel Strandow, and textile art by Moa Israelsson. There’s also a shop where you can explore a variety of art and crafts.
Galleri Wildstyle focuses on street art, graffiti, and urban art. Here, you can delve into Uppsala’s urban art scene with the exhibition A Local Love Story, which celebrates the city’s rich urban cultural heritage through works by some of Sweden’s top mural, graffiti, and urban artists. The exhibition runs from September 7 to October 6 (during the gallery’s opening hours).
A Glimpse of Swedish Bureaucracy at Köttinspektionen
Köttinspektionen is an artist-driven cultural hub in Uppsala (located in a former meat inspection office) that hosts independent exhibitions and performances. This season, the gallery presents Hence Strength and Security by artist John Huntington. The exhibition explores experimental strategies from the alternative sides of bureaucracy and the undercurrents within administration. Through small-scale but powerful ceremonial acts, new protective measures are created to counteract powerlessness and ethical stress. The exhibition is open from October 5-20.