Broadening my horizon at the Nationalmuseum

Construction work never goes as planned, and unfortunately that also goes for the rebuilding of cultural institutes. As a result, I have not been able to have many encounters with public at Bonniers Konsthall. My mentors arranged for me to go on a few study visits to remedy this, and to give me the opportunity to get to know the Swedish cultural field a bit better.

Ironically enough, the first institute I was sent to, is also under reconstruction: Nationalmuseum. The 150 year old building is closed for several years while it undergoes thorough renovations and modernisations. Meanwhile the museum hosts temporary exhibitions at Kulturhuset and at the art academy. Nationalmuseum, founded in 1792, is one of the oldest public museums of Europe.

I was shown around the museum's offices and the temporary exhibition location in Konstakademien and I had the opportunity to meet many interesting and inspiring people. I heard some amazing stories, as a museum with such a long history is bound to have. I also got the chance to assist and participate in a few guided tours and workshops and in the evening I got invited to a creative course led by artist Anna-Karin Brus.

During my visit a French-Swedish class of children visited the museum, and they were pleasantly surprised to find out I spoke French. Since most children had time off from school, a lot of families visited the museum and participated in open workshops. Here kids don't just get dropped off and picked up later, like in Belgium. The parents and grandparents usually stay and most of them even enjoy getting their hands dirty as well. It's so great to see!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

Vi ses

Cathy