A recent Vogue article named cultural immersion as one of the biggest travel trends for 2025. Increasingly, travellers are looking for more than just beautiful views. They want meaningful encounters with local heritage, creativity and ideas. With its world-class museums, thoughtful design and deep connection to nature, Scandinavia offers exactly that. From contemporary institutions in Copenhagen to historic artist archives in Oslo and photography hotspots in Stockholm, this guide brings together the most compelling art destinations across the region. Whether you are planning a dedicated art trip or adding a cultural stop to your itinerary, these are the places worth making time for.

STOCKHOLM

Moderna Museet, Exercisplan 4, 111 49 Stockholm

The centre of Swedish contemporary art since its opening in 1958 and an excellent permanent collection that includes Marcel Duchamp, Hilma af Klint, Louise Bourgeois, Dorothea Tanning, and Tora Vega Holmström, and a strong focus on feminist and conceptual art, it remains a benchmark for Scandinavian institutions. Don’t miss the current exhibition Mike Kelly: Ghost and Spirit, the first retrospective of the American artist which spans his entire oeuvre.

Top tip: head to the restaurant for a refreshing drink or a meal and out the large windows take in the clear view on the sea and the city

Fotografiska Stockholm, Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 116 45 Stockholm

A must-visit for photography enthusiasts, Fotografiska has become a global name since its launch in 2010, with sister locations now in Tallinn, Shanghai and Berlin. Currently on view is Corbijn, Anton, a retrospective that traces the acclaimed photographer’s career from the 1970s to today.

Top tip: Stop by the top-floor café for great coffee and one of Stockholm’s best panoramic views, stretching across the Old Town and the historic Gröna Lund amusement park, open since 1883.

HUMLEBÆK

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, Gl Strandvej 13, 3050 Humlebæk, Denmark

Located in the coastal town of Humlebæk, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is widely recognised as Scandinavia’s most visited museum for modern and contemporary art. Its collection, which has grown steadily since 1945, now includes over 4,000 works by major international artists, including highlights by Warhol and Giacometti.

Top tip: Beyond the galleries, take in the museum’s striking glass corridors, lush surroundings, and expansive Sculpture Park, which features works by Alexander Calder and Henry Moore!

COPENHAGEN

Statens Museum for Kunst, Sølvgade 48-50, 1307 Indre By

Nowhere else in Denmark offers such a broad and impressive overview of seven centuries of art. From Renaissance masterpieces to the expansive range of modern and contemporary works, the collection brings together iconic names and fresh voices. Visitors can encounter highlights by Mantegna, Nolde, Anna Ancher, Derain, Rubens, Matisse, Hammershøi, Munch, Abramović, Danh Vo, and Elmgreen & Dragset. It’s a space where historical greats meet today’s most exciting talents.

Top tip: head to the SMK Shop and browse their expansive collection of design objects, posters and stationary. The perfect place to buy a gift for a loved one.

OSLO

Ekeberg Sculpture Park, Kongsveien 23, 0193 Oslo

Ekeberg Sculpture Park may not be a traditional gallery, but it’s well worth the trip. Located just outside central Oslo, the park combines striking views with remarkable works of art. As you wander through the grounds, you’ll come across pieces by major international names such as Damien Hirst, Dan Graham, and James Turrell set against the backdrop of Norway’s natural beauty. Even better, entry is free!

Top tip: climb to the top of Ekeberg Hi and see where Edvard Munch got the inspiration for his famous painting, The Scream!

MUNCH, Edvard Munchs Plass 1, 0194 Oslo

Shortly before his passing in 1944, Edvard Munch gifted his entire estate to the City of Oslo. This remarkable donation included more than 28,000 items, including artworks, manuscripts, letters, photographs and personal belongings. To honour his legacy, the city approved plans for a dedicated museum in 1946, which opened to the public in May 1963. In 2021, the museum moved to a striking new building on the Oslo waterfront. Today, its 11 galleries offer a rich exploration of Munch’s lasting impact, from the iconic The Scream to a broad selection of works by both modern and contemporary artists.

Top tip: Entry to the Munch Museum is free for everyone on Wednesdays from 6 - 9 pm!