Moderna Museet (Museum of Modern Art)

Description:

• This museum has grown from its 1958 opening in a former drill house on the island of Skeppsholmen to its present reincarnation as one of the greatest repositories of modern art in the north of Europe. In the 1960s and 1970s, it introduced the likes of Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg to Stockholmers; since 1998, the museum has been housed in these avant-garde quarters. Today it has a great showcase of modern art and is especially strong in Cubist paintings, with works by Picasso, Braque, and Léger. Standouts include Matisse's Apollo decoupage and the celebrated Enigma of William Tell, by Salvador Dalí. You'll also see works by Brancusi, Max Ernst, Giacometti, Arp, and sculpture by the great Louise Nevelson. In all, the present collection includes 5,000 paintings and sculptures, plus around 25,000 watercolors, graphics, and 100,000 photographs, as well as a large number of videos and films.

  As enthralled as we are by the permanent collection, we mainly visit to see the often-stunning temporary exhibitions. One program called "The First at Moderna" offers a new exhibition on the first of every month. Yet another well-attended event is "Moderna by Night" from 6pm to midnight on Fridays. You get food, drink, entertainment . . . and great art. Musical concerts and the best children's workshops in Stockholm are also presented here periodically.

  Time your visit to have a good yet affordable lunch at the self-service restaurant offering views toward Östermalm, or for a stop at the modern espresso bar near the main entrance.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010