The ultimate guide to the best galleries and must-visit art museums in the Nordics

When exploring a new city (or your own, for that matter), art is one of the best ways to connect with its culture—whether medieval or modern, in paintings or sculptures, the stories of its history, struggles, and loves come to life.

Below, Vogue Scandinavia has curated a list of must-visit galleries and museums to help you dive into the rich artistic heritage of the Nordics.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Crowned the most visited museum for modern and contemporary art in Scandinavia, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Humlebæk is renowned for its exceptional exhibitions and ever-growing collections. With over 4,000 works dating from 1945 onwards, the museum is home to masterpieces by artists like Picasso and Giacometti.

But it’s not just the art that captivates. The museum’s striking glass corridors, lush surroundings, and its Sculpture Park, featuring works by Alexander Calder and Henry Moore, are equally impressive. You can explore the galleries or simply wander through the serene grounds overlooking Øresund, with stunning views of Sweden.

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Located in Copenhagen, New Carlsberg Glyptotek was founded by Carl Jacobsen, a brewer and a passionate collector. Utilising the profits from his Ny Carlsberg brewery, Jacobsen amassed a remarkable assemblage of art, sculptures, and cultural artefacts. In 1888, he generously donated this treasure to the public, marking the beginning of Glyptoteket's legacy. The museum now houses a vast collection of over 10,000 works, predominantly featuring pieces from ancient Mediterranean cultures alongside Danish and French sculptures and paintings from the 19th century. Not to be missed is the gallery’s famed Winter Garden, an oasis under a striking dome flanked by lush palm trees, standing as the museum's grand centrepiece.

Andersen’s Contemporary

Founded in 2005 by Claus Andersen, this gallery has become a cornerstone of Copenhagen's contemporary art scene. It showcases art that resonates with current events — sometimes political or radical — always maintaining a dialogue with society. The gallery's mission is "to promote deeper understanding and free exchange of ideas and visions," sustaining itself financially by selling its exhibited artworks.

Statens Museum for Kunst

Home to over 200,000 works of art, the Statens Museum for Kunst (SMK) boasts the largest art collection in Denmark. Located in Copenhagen, the museum's treasures, originally amassed by Danish kings, were bestowed upon the public following the advent of democracy in the mid-19th century. In 2023, the SMK attracted approximately 617,315 visitors who came to experience its exhibitions and presentations, where patrons can enjoy masterpieces by renowned artists such as Munch, Bosschaerts the Elder, and Bernini.

Ordrupgaard

Ordrupgaard, a museum dedicated to French Impressionism, is nestled on the outskirts of Copenhagen in Charlottenlund. Here, visitors can admire works by masters like Monet, Renoir, and Gauguin, alongside a significant collection of Danish art focusing on Hammershøi and his contemporaries. The museum grounds also feature the residence of the world-renowned Danish architect Finn Juhl, while new extensions designed by Zaha Hadid and Snøhetta highlight the museum’s architectural emphasis, offering guests a comprehensive cultural experience.

Kiasma

Located within the Finnish National Gallery, Kiasma, the Museum of Contemporary Art, throws its doors wide open to make contemporary art accessible to everyone. Alongside a library specialising in modern works and a theatre that hosts vibrant live performances, Kiasma not only showcases but also safeguards the art of the entire Finnish National Gallery, boasting a collection of over 8,800 pieces. Visitors can look forward to intriguing exhibitions like "Rock, Paper, Scissors," which delves into the fascinating array of materials historically used in contemporary art.

Ateneum

The Ateneum stands as Finland’s premier art museum, renowned for its vast collection of nearly 30,000 national and cultural treasures. This extensive collection spans works from the 18th century right through to the modernist era, and by showcasing both international and Finnish art, the gallery aims to offer visitors fresh perspectives. Current exhibitions, such as ‘Gothic Modern’ and ‘Collection: A Question of Time,’ capture the imagination, with the eagerly anticipated 2025 exhibitions set to be announced this November.

Galerie Anhava

Founded in 1991 by Ilona Anhava and later merging with Galerie Artek in 1997, Galerie Anhava is at the forefront of contemporary Finnish and Nordic art. The gallery showcases a diverse range of contemporary visual arts including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation, with a particular emphasis on conceptual art. Committed to fostering dialogue between artists, institutions, and audiences, Galerie Anhava caters to all — from emerging talents to mid-career artists and established names — and it's the perfect spot for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the breadth of contemporary art.

Finnish National Gallery

The Finnish National Gallery, the largest art museum in Finland, is dedicated to curating and making Finnish cultural heritage accessible to the public. Welcoming over 600,000 visitors each year, the gallery boasts a collection of almost 42,000 works of art and houses a wealth of archival materials and items of art-historical significance. If you're looking to explore any aspect of Finnish life and art, this is the place to discover it.

Helsinki Contemporary

Since 2011, Helsinki Contemporary has focused on collaborations with emerging and established artists who take a physical, in-depth approach to their work, prioritising those whose visual art is of current interest and conducting a dialogue with society and the space in which the art is presented. Focusing on artists from Finland, the gallery holds 11 exhibitions a year, but it also produces shows and events in temporary and public spaces. 

i8

Founded in 1995, i8 Gallery in Reykjavik draws its name from its original location at Ingólfstræti 8. The gallery is dedicated to nurturing artists from Reykjavik and is built on the conceptual rigor and intellectual spirit of its artists' practices. Currently, i8 represents 23 artists who work across various mediums including sculpture, drawing, painting, video, textile, installation, and performance.

In 2022, i8 Gallery expanded with a second venue, i8 Grandi, which introduces a unique format of year-long, single-artist exhibitions. This approach allows both artists and audiences to explore how time and events can alter the interpretation and meaning of art. It encourages visitors to return multiple times to discern any changes, fostering a deeper engagement with the artwork. This innovative format highlights i8 Gallery’s commitment to providing immersive and thoughtful art experiences.

Þula

Þula, a commercial gallery situated by Reykjavik’s harbour, represents and showcases both emerging and established contemporary artists. The gallery is committed to "bringing together its surrounding community through the language of art, creating dialogue between cultures, and introducing new narratives and blurring borders." Currently, Þula is hosting an exhibition titled "Salt of the Earth" by Hayden Dunham, which exemplifies its mission by engaging visitors with innovative and boundary-pushing art.

Ásmundaesalur

Originally constructed in 1933 by Ásmundur Sveinsson as his studio, Ásmundasalur has evolved significantly over the years. What began as a personal workspace has transformed into a multifaceted venue that now serves as a residence, exhibition space, and art school. Today, the gallery operates as a nonprofit art organization and remains dedicated to various artistic and design disciplines. This commitment ensures that Ásmundasalur remains a pivotal cultural hub in its community.

Ekeburg Sculpture Park

While Ekeberg Sculpture Park isn't technically a gallery, it's definitely worth a visit. Just outside Oslo city centre, the park offers a stunning blend of breathtaking views and magnificent sculptures. Artworks by internationally renowned artists like Damien Hirst, Dan Graham, and James Turrell are scattered throughout the park, allowing visitors to enjoy Norway's beautiful natural landscapes as they move from one sculpture to another. The best part? It’s completely free to explore.

MUNCH

Before his death in 1944, Edvard Munch bequeathed his entire estate to the City of Oslo – including an extensive collection with over 28,000 artworks, texts, letters, photographs, and personal items. In response, the city approved the construction of a museum in 1946, and the Munch Museum opened its doors in May 1963. In 2021, a new waterfront facility welcomed visitors, and the museum now features 11 galleries, allowing visitors to comprehensively explore Munch's legacy, be it through the iconic 'The Scream' or a diverse array of works by other Modernist and contemporary artists.

Nordnosrk Kunstmuseum

Situated in Tromsø, the Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum (NNKM) boasts a collection of over 2,225 artworks, ranging from the 17th century right up to contemporary pieces. Established as a foundation in 1985, it opened its doors to the public three years later. By 2000, the museum began renting spaces around Tromsø for exhibitions, and in 2001, it made a permanent move to its current location in a charming old post office building. Tasked with preserving and promoting art across the entire northern part of Norway, NNKM curates two to three exhibitions each year that travel across the northernmost counties, ensuring art remains accessible to everyone in the region.

STANDARD (Oslo)

Established in 2005, STANDARD (Oslo) is dedicated to promoting contemporary Norwegian artists on the international stage while also introducing international artists to Norwegian audiences. With 30 artists on its roster, the gallery hosts one exhibition at a time. Currently on display is “Now it sobs, now it sings,” the sixth STANDARD exhibition by photographer Trobjørn Rødland.

Kode Art Museums of Bergen

Spanning four art museums and three composers' homes, the Kode Art Museums of Bergen have been at the heart of Bergen's cultural scene for 200 years, curating and preserving both art and music. Visitors can explore exhibitions featuring masterpieces by artists like Meyer and Munch. With an all-in-one ticket, you can effortlessly wander between the museums, soaking up the best of Norwegian culture.

Picture This Gallery

Established in 2022 by the founders of Fotografiska, the world's leading museum for photography, Picture This has quickly made its mark on the art scene. Located in Tvålpalatset on Södermalm in Stockholm, this vibrant gallery has already hosted exhibitions featuring renowned artists like Rankin, Eric Ericson, and Bryan Adams, positioning itself as a dynamic hub for art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Carl Eldhs Atelijémuseum

Situated in Stockholm, the Carl Eldhs Ateljémuseum operates out of the former studio of Carl Eldh, one of Sweden's most distinguished sculptors. This unique museum displays an extensive collection of nearly 500 works, encompassing plaster casts, bronze, stone, and clay sculptures, as well as portraits, paintings, and various memorabilia. The space, largely open to the public, offers a deep dive into Eldh's artistic process and legacy. The garden, a place where Eldh preferred to work, is also accessible to visitors and features several of his sculptures, enhancing the outdoor experience with his creative presence.

Moderna Museet

Moderna Museet, one of Europe's premier institutions for contemporary and modern art, was inaugurated in 1958 when the modern art collection was transferred from the National Museum. Since its establishment, the museum has dedicated itself to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting art from the early 20th century onwards. Its extensive collection boasts over 130,000 works, with a strong emphasis on Swedish and Nordic art, French-oriented modernism, and American art from the 1950s and 1960s. Additionally, Moderna Museet is at the forefront of championing female artists from these influential periods, ensuring their contributions are recognized and celebrated.

Gallery Steinsland Berliner

Located in Södermalm, Stockholm, Gallery Steinsland Berliner has been a prominent space for contemporary art since 2008. Known for its long-term collaborations with artists, the gallery focuses on showcasing both domestic and international works, spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and performance. Its dedication to contemporary art has made it a must-visit destination. With the upcoming announcement of its winter show lineup, this gallery is definitely one to keep an eye on.

Göteborgs Konstmuseum

Göteborgs Konstmuseum in Gothenburg, Sweden's third-largest art museum, is home to an internationally recognised collection. Featuring a diverse range of old, modern, and contemporary art, the museum offers a dynamic exhibition programme that highlights both Nordic and international artists. Its mission is to foster a dialogue between contemporary and historical works, promoting an exchange of knowledge and experience across generations of art.