The Thiel Gallery 100 Years
1925 – 2025
In 2025 ✨ one hundred years have passed since the Thiel Gallery opened as a museum. On the first day, 7 January 1925, people of all ages and social classes flocked to Djurgården to see the spectacular art collection in what had previously been the private residence of one of Sweden’s richest families. The press reported “up to three-quarters of a thousand” (just over 700) visitors, and the front page of Dagens Nyheter shows the inaugural audience posing in the drawing room – most of them in winter coats, hats and fur boas.
The art critic and Academy member Tor Hedberg was appointed director of the museum by the new owners (the government). His task was to preserve and show the art collection. Assisted by his wife, the actress Stina Hedberg, the first steps were taken towards something resembling today’s activities, but the museum did not start showing temporary exhibitions until decades later.
The Anniversary Year 2025
The anniversary will be celebrated with lots of activities. The major exhibition this spring, Together, highlights that the Thiel Gallery is a total work of art, which was a meeting place for artists, poets and musicians even in the days of Ernest and Signe Maria Thiel. The exhibition also features works by four contemporary artist duos who work together in various ways.
The anniversary celebrations kick off on 7 January 2025 with an evening of fun, history and 1920s glamour including live hot jazz, bubbly and delicious nibbles. You will be treated to the captivating story of the journey from private residence to a museum for all. Let 1920s fashion inspire you! We welcome glittering dresses, feathers, pearls, suits. We welcome you heartily to celebrate the Thiel Gallery with us on this first anniversary evening (limited availability). Buy your ticket here
Soon, we will publish our entire anniversary programme, presenting a series of concerts on a 1920s theme, birdwatching in the spirit of Bruno Liljefors, and lots more. For exhibitions and events in 2025, please see the calendar below.
Signe Maria Thiel
