ArkDes is Sweden’s national museum and centre for architecture and design, on Skeppsholmen in Stockholm. Its exhibitions bring historical material and contemporary installations together to explore how buildings and designed spaces shape everyday life. Admission is free, and the museum shares a complex with Moderna Museet. Families can spend time in the building and drawing rooms, while the gift shop is an easy stop before continuing to other museums on the island.
A national centre for design
ArkDes is Sweden’s national centre for architecture and design, with a history dating to the 1950s. It functions as a museum, study centre and place for debate. Its exhibitions range from historical collections to modern installations, exploring architecture, design and spatial art.
The museum’s collections include more than three million documents, 600,000 photographs and 2,000 models. Exhibitions can focus on Swedish architecture and design, alongside wider questions about how buildings and spaces affect daily life. The programme changes, so check what is on view before planning around a particular subject.
Finding ArkDes on Skeppsholmen
ArkDes is at Exercisplan 4, in the same complex as Moderna Museet. The two museums have a shared entrance and gift shop, so check the signs inside to find the ArkDes galleries. The island also has other museums and galleries, making it easy to add another cultural stop to your visit.
ArkDes has a library with large glass windows and a functionalist interior. Families can also use the building and drawing rooms, where children can take part in creative activities.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is admission to ArkDes free?
Yes. Admission is free.
Where is ArkDes in Stockholm?
It is at Exercisplan 4 on Skeppsholmen, in the same complex as Moderna Museet.
Is ArkDes suitable for children?
Yes. The museum has building and drawing rooms with activities for children.
