Fotografiska

Fotografiska is a museum of contemporary photography that opened in 2010 in a former customs house on the Södermalm waterfront. It was founded by the Swedish brothers Jan and Per Broman, and its success in Stockholm has since led to sister venues in other cities. The building, designed by Ferdinand Boberg and completed in 1906 in the Art Nouveau style, is listed for its cultural value, and its brick industrial halls make a striking setting for large-format prints.

There is no permanent collection. Instead, Fotografiska runs a changing programme of exhibitions, usually several at once, mixing internationally known photographers with Swedish names and themed group shows. In autumn 2026 the programme includes Harder Better Faster Stronger – Are Men OK?, Diana Markosian's Father and a show by Nils Petter Löfstedt, with Women Behind the Camera, 1848–1968 opening in December. Because exhibitions change regularly, it is worth checking what is on before you go; some shows deal with difficult subjects and may not suit young children.

The top floor is as much a draw as the galleries. The restaurant serves sharing plates in the evenings, and the bar, open from the morning, looks out over the water towards Gamla Stan, Skeppsholmen and Djurgården, a view the museum calls the best in Stockholm. Lunch and weekend brunch are also served. Many locals come just for a drink or a meal, so it is worth booking a table if you want to eat at a set time.

Fotografiska suits photography lovers, design fans and couples looking for an evening out, since it stays open later than most museums. Allow one and a half to two hours for the exhibitions, more if you stay to eat. Tickets can be bought online in advance, and the museum is a good choice on a wet or dark day. Opening hours vary, so check the website for the current times of the museum, restaurant and bar.

The museum sits on Stadsgårdshamnen, a short walk east of Slussen along the quay. From Slussen metro station, follow the waterfront past the ferry terminals. The bars and restaurants of Södermalm, including the area around Götgatan, are a short walk uphill, and Monteliusvägen and other viewpoints over the city are within easy reach.