ArkDes, Stockholm - ArkDes is a museum and a centre for dialogue and debate about the future of architecture and the city.
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ArkDes Stockholm

4.3
·2k reviews·, Sweden

ArkDes is Sweden's national center for architecture and design, showcasing innovative exhibitions and fostering creativity. Free entry!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Family activities & exhibitions

CrowdMedium
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ArkDes, Stockholm - ArkDes is a museum and a centre for dialogue and debate about the future of architecture and the city.

ArkDes Stockholm

Best Time

Weekends

Family activities & exhibitions

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

ArkDes is Sweden's national center for architecture and design, showcasing innovative exhibitions and fostering creativity. Free entry!

4.3
(2k reviews)

"A cool and FREE design museum with funky Swedish art and interesting architecture exhibits."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy all exhibitions at ArkDes for free, especially after their renovation.

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Fun

Kids love the drawing rooms and interactive spaces. Great for families!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gingerbread House Exhibition

Gingerbread House Exhibition

ArkDes

Marvel at imaginative gingerbread creations from kids to architects. Free entry!

Architecture & Design Exhibits

Architecture & Design Exhibits

ArkDes

Explore innovative Swedish design and thought-provoking architectural concepts.

Interactive Family Activities

Interactive Family Activities

ArkDes

Engage kids with drawing rooms and creative spaces, making design accessible.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Entry & Reopening

ArkDes offers free admission, making it an accessible cultural gem. After a year-long renovation, it reopened on September 27th, 2024, with new exhibition spaces. Plan your visit around their opening hours, especially if you're interested in specific temporary exhibitions like the popular Gingerbread House competition.

Design Focus & Family Fun

ArkDes celebrates Swedish architecture and design, offering a unique perspective on creativity. While the exhibits are sophisticated, many visitors find them surprisingly engaging for children, with interactive areas and drawing rooms that keep younger ones entertained. It's a great spot for design enthusiasts and families alike.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Family activities & exhibitions
Crowd
Medium
When
Late September onwards
Why
Post-renovation, free entry
Crowd
Low
When
December
Why
Gingerbread House competition
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

9 Amazing things to do in #Stockholm #sweden 😍 #tiktoktravel #europetravel #citybreak #citybreaks #europe #travel #travelinspiration
@amyenvoyage
76K likes • 2.5M views

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy all exhibitions at ArkDes for free, especially after their renovation. InstagramReddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Fun

Kids love the drawing rooms and interactive spaces. Great for families! InstagramReddit

Have you visited #stockholm 🇸🇪? #sverige #svenska #stockholmtravel #sweden #scandinavia #amsterdamlocal #culturaldifference #skansen #östermalm #södermalm #gamlastan #europe #touristrap
@whereiswanda
61.5K likes • 859.2K views
Om en vecka öppnar ArkDes igen! 🪩🪩 Fredagen den 27 september kl. 11:00 slår ArkDes upp portarna efter ett år av ombyggnation. Kom och fira med oss under öppningshelgen! Utforska sju unika utställningsytor, delta i roliga aktiviteter och njut av en kreativ helg i hjärtat av Stockholm. Med ny entré och fritt inträde hela hösten välkomnar vi er tillbaka till våra nyrenoverade lokaler, formgivna av ...
arkdesc
80 likes • 4.9K views

🖼️ Seasonal Exhibitions

Don't miss the popular Gingerbread House exhibition in December. Instagram+1

🚢 Ferry Access

Easily accessible via ferry, connecting you to the archipelago. Reddit

🎨Moderna Museet & ArkDes 🎨 Does your little one enjoy getting creative, making art, seeing art, or playing in a cozy indoor playroom? Are they 0- 13 years old? Go ahead and click “save” on this reel… Family Sundays @ Moderna Museet! 🖍Moderna Museet has an interactive art show and workshop on Sundays through 26th of June. Families can view a show/ exhibit and then work on their own art in the w...
mini_pass
28 likes • 1.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission!

Enjoy all exhibitions at ArkDes for free, especially after their renovation. InstagramReddit

👨‍👩‍👧 Kid-Friendly Fun

Kids love the drawing rooms and interactive spaces. Great for families! InstagramReddit

🖼️ Seasonal Exhibitions

Don't miss the popular Gingerbread House exhibition in December. Instagram+1

🚢 Ferry Access

Easily accessible via ferry, connecting you to the archipelago. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise ArkDes for its free admission and engaging exhibitions, particularly the creative Gingerbread House competition. While some find the architecture side undergoing renovation, the design exhibits and family-friendly interactive spaces are consistently highlighted as positives. The museum offers a thought-provoking and accessible cultural experience.

"Absolutely fascinating experience at ArkDes! The “Designing Motherhood” exhibition was thought-provoking and beautifully curated. It explored the intersection of design, motherhood, and society with honesty and creativity, showcasing everything from historical artifacts to innovative contemporary objects. I appreciated how the exhibition addressed topics that are often overlooked, making space for stories and objects not usually found in museums. It was both emotionally impactful and intellectually stimulating—a must-see for anyone interested in how design shapes our lives. Highly recommend!"

Barbara P.

"Really liked the exhibition. Thought that the kids are gonna be bored out of their minds, I was wrong. They had the most fun in the building and drawing rooms. The gift shop was really nice too. Best of all, it was free. So no disappointment here 😊"

Kaur P

"Very cool and FREE design museum. Funky Swedish art in here plus interesting architecture exhibits. Check it out if you are in the area!"

David Lazar

What People Like

Free admission
Engaging design exhibits
Family-friendly activities

What People Dislike

Renovation closures
Expensive cafe

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

ArkDes is located on Skeppsholmen island. You can reach it by public transport, including buses and ferries. The ferry port nearby makes it easy to access from other parts of the city and the archipelago. Reddit

Yes, ArkDes is well-connected by public transport. Buses and ferries are convenient options for reaching the museum. Reddit

While it's a pleasant walk, it might take around 30-40 minutes from Gamla Stan. Taking a ferry or bus is a quicker option if you're short on time. TikTok

Parking on Skeppsholmen can be limited. It's generally recommended to use public transport or consider parking in a nearby city center garage and walking or taking public transport to the museum.

From Arlanda Airport, you can take the Arlanda Express train to the city center and then transfer to public transport (bus or ferry) to reach ArkDes. Allow ample travel time.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, ArkDes offers free admission to all its exhibitions, making it a fantastic free activity in Stockholm. InstagramReddit

ArkDes is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date opening hours, especially around holidays or special events. Instagram

Since entry is free, advance booking is not usually required. However, for special events or exhibitions with limited capacity, it's advisable to check their website.

ArkDes hosts a variety of permanent and rotating exhibitions focusing on architecture and design. They are particularly known for their annual Gingerbread House exhibition. Instagram+1

Opening hours on public holidays can vary. It's always a good idea to confirm their schedule on the ArkDes website before your visit.

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

ArkDes showcases a wide range of exhibits on Swedish and international architecture and design, from historical to contemporary. You can also find interactive displays and family-friendly activities. Reddit

Yes, ArkDes is very family-friendly. They often have interactive areas, drawing rooms, and workshops designed to engage younger visitors. InstagramReddit

Information on guided tours can usually be found on the ArkDes website. They may offer tours in Swedish or English, depending on the exhibition and schedule.

ArkDes typically offers restrooms, a gift shop, and sometimes a cafe or restaurant. Check their website for specific amenities. Reddit

Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed, but flash photography or tripods might be restricted. Always check for signage.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

ArkDes often has a cafe or restaurant on-site, offering refreshments and meals. Reviews suggest the food can be good but potentially expensive. Reddit

The cafe typically serves coffee, pastries, light meals, and sometimes more substantial dishes. It's a convenient option for a break during your visit. Reddit

While the museum's cafe can be pricey, there are other cafes and restaurants on Skeppsholmen or a short walk away in the city center offering a range of options. Reddit

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition halls. However, there might be designated areas where you can consume your own packed lunch.

When in Stockholm, try Swedish meatballs, gravlax (cured salmon), and herring dishes. Don't forget to experience 'fika' – a coffee break with pastries like cinnamon buns. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The museum's architecture itself is a great subject. Look for interesting angles of the building and any outdoor sculptures. The exhibitions often have visually striking elements. Reddit

Tripod usage is usually restricted to protect the exhibits and other visitors. It's best to check the museum's specific photography policy upon arrival or on their website.

While personal photography is often allowed, flash photography is typically prohibited to preserve the artworks. Some special exhibitions might have stricter rules. TikTok

Daytime visits will offer natural light, which is ideal for most photography. Consider the time of year for softer light, especially during autumn or winter.

Skeppsholmen offers lovely views of the city skyline. Nearby Gamla Stan and the waterfront areas are also popular for photography. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

ArkDes is a fantastic choice for families visiting Stockholm. The museum offers free entry and features interactive areas, including drawing rooms, that are specifically designed to engage children. InstagramReddit Many parents report that their kids have a blast exploring the creative spaces and learning about design in a fun, hands-on way. The annual Gingerbread House exhibition in December is a particular highlight, showcasing incredible edible creations that will captivate both young and old. Instagram+1

Consider visiting on a weekend when family activities might be more prevalent. The museum's location on Skeppsholmen also means you can easily combine your visit with other family-friendly attractions on the island. It's a great way to introduce children to art and design in an accessible and enjoyable setting.

🎨 Design Enthusiasts

For those passionate about architecture and design, ArkDes is a must-visit. As Sweden's national center for these fields, it offers a comprehensive look at both historical and contemporary trends, with a strong focus on Swedish innovation. Reddit You can expect to see thought-provoking exhibitions that explore the impact of design on society and our daily lives. Reddit

Keep an eye on their schedule for temporary exhibitions, which often feature cutting-edge work and renowned designers. The museum's commitment to free entry means you can explore its offerings without financial barriers. The location on Skeppsholmen, surrounded by other cultural institutions, makes it part of a rich artistic landscape.

💰 Budget Travelers

ArkDes is a dream for budget-conscious travelers as admission is completely free! InstagramReddit This allows you to immerse yourself in Swedish design and architecture without spending a krona. The museum's location on Skeppsholmen also means you can enjoy beautiful waterfront views and explore the island's surroundings for free. Reddit

Combine your visit with a picnic lunch or explore affordable cafes nearby to keep costs down. The free ferry access also adds to the value, allowing you to experience Stockholm from the water without an extra charge. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Swedish Design at ArkDes

ArkDes is the national center for architecture and design in Sweden, offering a deep dive into the country's rich creative heritage. The museum showcases both historical and contemporary works, highlighting how design influences everyday life and shapes our built environment. Visitors can expect to see a diverse range of exhibits, from furniture and product design to urban planning and architectural models. Reddit

Recent renovations have revitalized the museum, introducing new exhibition spaces and enhancing the visitor experience. The free entry policy makes it an accessible destination for everyone interested in exploring Swedish ingenuity. Whether you're a design aficionado or simply curious, ArkDes provides a fascinating glimpse into the principles and aesthetics that define Swedish design. Instagram

Beyond the permanent collections, ArkDes frequently hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into specific themes or feature prominent designers. These rotating displays ensure there's always something new to discover, making repeat visits worthwhile. The museum also engages with the public through talks, workshops, and events, fostering a dialogue around design and its societal impact.

Family Fun at ArkDes

Contrary to what one might expect from a design museum, ArkDes is surprisingly engaging for families and children. Many visitors have noted that kids thoroughly enjoy the interactive elements, particularly the drawing rooms and creative workshops. These spaces allow children to express their own creativity and engage with design principles in a hands-on manner. InstagramReddit

The museum's approach to exhibitions often includes elements that appeal to younger audiences, making the experience educational and entertaining. The annual Gingerbread House exhibition, for instance, is a massive hit with families, showcasing imaginative edible creations that spark wonder and delight. Instagram+1

With free admission, ArkDes offers an excellent opportunity for families to enjoy a cultural outing without breaking the bank. It's a chance for both parents and children to learn something new and have fun together in a stimulating environment. The proximity to other attractions on Skeppsholmen also makes it a convenient stop for a day of family exploration.

The Gingerbread House Competition

One of ArkDes' most beloved annual events is the Gingerbread House exhibition, which transforms the museum into a festive wonderland. This competition draws participants of all ages and skill levels, from young children to professional architects and designers, all vying for recognition. The creativity and craftsmanship on display are truly remarkable, featuring intricate designs and imaginative concepts. Instagram+1

The exhibition is free to visit, making it a popular attraction during the holiday season. Visitors can marvel at the diverse range of gingerbread houses, each telling its own story through edible art. The event often culminates in an award ceremony, celebrating the winning creations and the talent of the participants. Instagram

This unique exhibition offers a delightful blend of art, architecture, and culinary skill, providing a memorable experience for all who attend. It's a testament to the power of creativity and a charming way to embrace the holiday spirit in Stockholm.

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