Toulouse-Lautrec Exhibition at Millesgården

Almost all museums have reopened in Stockholm after having closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. I have made a list of the museums that have reopened or announced a date when they will reopen. I try and update this list once a week, and you can see it by clicking here. While museums have reopened, please keep in mind that many restrictions are still in place. So, please follow the museums' rules, wash your hands regularly and practice social distancing while visiting.

I had a free afternoon last week, so I visited Millesgården to see their summer exhibition "Toulouse-Lautrec & Friends in Montmartre" (showing until September 20th). Not only is Millesgården one of my favorite museums in Stockholm, it is also one of my favorite spaces in the city. There is a lot to see and experience at one adress! First and foremost, Millesgården is the former home and studio of famed Swedish sculptor Carl Milles (both are open for visitors). One of the main reasons people visit Millesgården, however, is the Italian style garden which is filled with terraces, fountains as well as the beautiful statues and sculptures of Carl Milles. It always gives me a sense of peace and tranquility when I wander through the gardens (much needed feelings these days!).

If that wasn't enough... there is also a smaller, indoor museum at Millesgården. Here they have temporary exhibitions throughout the year. And they have had some real nice ones in the past covering art, fashion, photography, textiles and more. This summer's exhibition is no different. Though I have to admit to being very fond of the work of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and also of that period of French history (La Belle Epoque), which his work often symbolizes.

Even if you haven't heard of Toulouse-Lautrec, you have most likely seen his artwork... especially if you have had the chance to visit Paris and walk the streets of Montmartre (where his work hangs all over and can be found on countless postcards). His work is often closely associated with Moulin Rouge, the can-can dance as well as the debauched lifestyle of pre-WWI Paris. His most recognizable work are arguably the posters/advertisements he made for different entertainment establishments in Paris (like the Moulin Rouge).

What makes this exhibition especially interesting is that a majority of the displayed work is actually not by Toulouse-Lautrec, but by his contemporaries and fellow artists of the time (the "& Friends" in the exhibition title). Artists like Jules Chéret and Georges Meunier... none as famous as Toulouse-Lautrec, but all with very similar styles and subject matter. In fact, there were a few works I saw there that I had always attributed to him but found out that they were actually done by one of his contemporaries instead.

So... as you can see, you get quite a lot for your entrance fee and trip to Millesgården. And it is a little bit of a trip to get there from the city center. Nothing extreme... the museum is just located on the outskirts of central Stockholm and about a 30 minute journey with public transportation. It is definitely worth the trip! To get there, take the subway (red line) to the station Ropsten. When you get off the subway, follow the signs for Lidingöbanan. This is a tram that takes you across the bridge to the island of Lidingö. The subway and tram stations are connected with each other.

When you get off the subway at Ropsten, follow the signs for Lidingöbanan...

You only have to take the tram one stop to Torsvik and, from there, follow the signs for Millesgården. Be aware that it is an uphill path to the museum from the tram stop... nothing bad but good to know if you have a trouble with inclines. If this is the case, there are several buses you can take from Ropsten to the museum. Click here for more information about this option. Or, if you will be staying at the Hotel Rival, you can contact me directly for further assistance and information.