Origins and History of the Estate
Prince Eugens Waldemarsudde is located on Djurgården in Stockholm, Sweden. The estate was once the private residence of Prince Eugen (1865-1947), a Swedish prince, painter, and art collector. His connection to the site began in 1892, when he first encountered the premises. He eventually acquired the property in 1899.
The estate functioned as both a home and a studio for the Prince. Following his death in 1947, the estate was bequeathed to the Swedish state. This transition allowed the site to open to the public in 1948. Today, the location maintains the character of the Prince's former sanctuary, preserving the link between the landscape and the art collected within its walls.
The Building and Its Architecture
The architectural character of the estate is defined by the work of Ferdinand Boberg. The primary residence was erected between 1903 and 1904, forming a complex that includes the Mansion, a castle-like main building completed in 1905. A Gallery Building was added to the site in 1913 to accommodate the growing collection. These structures are integrated into an estate that also contains the Old House, an original manor-house, and an old linseed mill dating to the 1780s.
Boberg also designed the interior of the buildings, utilizing a combination of Art Nouveau and Gustavian styles. The design makes use of the elevated location to capture the light and the panoramic views of the inlet to Stockholm. Inside, the rooms feature masonry stoves and reflect the specific aesthetic preferences of the era.
The Art and Sculpture Collections
The collection comprises approximately 7,000 works, encompassing paintings, sculptures, drawings, graphics, medals, and craft objects. The holdings focus on Nordic and French art, reflecting the specific interests of Prince Eugen. Within the painting collection, works by Ernst Josephson, Anders Zorn, Julia Beck, Isaac Grünewald, Sigrid Hjertén, and Sven X:et Erixson are represented. International figures such as Edvard Munch and Auguste Rodin are also included in the permanent holdings.
The museum's arrangement extends into the sculpture garden, where art is positioned to harmonize with the natural landscape. This integration of form and environment is a central feature of the estate's presentation. Several specific works from the catalog are held here:
- Two Old Men, 1910 - Edvard Munch
- Artist Companions, 1909 - Isaac Grünewald
- Boots (Still-Life), 1882 - Nils Kreuger
- Horse at the Beach, 1902 - Nils Kreuger
- Frileuse, 1894 - Anders Zorn
- Queen Sophia - Anders Zorn
The diversity of the collection allows for a study of both regional Swedish movements and broader European traditions. The presence of both large-scale paintings and smaller graphic works provides a comprehensive view of the artistic developments of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.
Visiting the Museum and Gardens
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Thursdays, the hours are extended, and the museum remains open until 8:00 PM. Visitors can find refreshments at the Prince’s Kitchen, which is situated within the museum building. For those exploring the grounds, Café Ektorpet is located in the park.
The estate features parkland containing centuries-old oak trees. The design of the garden was determined by Prince Eugen himself. This landscape provides a setting for the various sculptures placed throughout the grounds.
