Sweden Stockholm Stockholm Museum

Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design

About

ArkDes, the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design, is Sweden’s national museum dedicated to architecture, urban planning, and design. Located on the island of Skeppsholmen in central Stockholm, it shares a waterfront complex with Moderna Museet. The museum occupies both a historic naval drill hall and a striking modern extension designed by Rafael Moneo, blending tradition with contemporary flair. ArkDes houses one of the world’s largest architecture collections, featuring over four million drawings, photographs, and models. Its exhibitions explore the evolution of Swedish and international design, often highlighting the intersection of architecture with social and environmental issues. Visitors can engage with interactive displays, attend lectures and workshops, or relax at Café Blom in the sculpture garden. Currently undergoing a major renovation, ArkDes is set to reopen in September 2024 with refreshed exhibition spaces and a new entrance.

Stockholm Sweden

Location

The Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design, known as ArkDes, is located at Exercisplan 4 on Skeppsholmen island in Stockholm. It is housed in the same area as the Modern Art Museum (Moderna Museet), forming a cultural hub dedicated to architecture and design. ArkDes offers a comprehensive collection of over 4 million drawings, photographs, and models, and serves as a museum, study center, and forum for debate on architecture, design, and urban development. Nearby, visitors can explore other notable museums on Skeppsholmen, including the Moderna Museet and the East Asian Museum. The island itself offers scenic waterfront views and walking paths leading toward central Stockholm, providing a blend of vibrant cultural attractions and natural beauty. The location is accessible by public transport, including nearby ferry docks (though construction occasionally affects this access), and bus routes serving the area.