J.Lindeberg Boutique on Södermalm

Swedish fashion labels have become very popular internationally... and I often get asked by visitors where certain boutiques are located in the city. Stockholm has become synonymous with effortless chic (recently voted by travelers as "Style Capital of the World") thanks in large part to these well known Swedish fashion labels. So we were very happy at the Rival Hotel when we heard that J.Lindeberg (one of the most popular brands) had opened a menswear boutique right around the corner from the hotel!

J. Lindeberg was founded in Stockholm in 1996 and has grown into a global brand with almost 90 stores around the world in cities like New York, Munich, Miami, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Los Angeles as well as being found in over 900 boutiques and high-end department stores. Their collections include menswear and womenswear and feature fashion, tailoring, denim, golf & skiwear. I have always really liked J.Lindeberg... especially for the way they combine fashion with sportswear. I am also a big fan of their jeans!

The boutique near the hotel is located on St Paulsgatan 3, just a 5-10 minute walk away. It is also conveniently located just 10 meters away from the semi-pedestrian street Götgatsbacken, where you will find a plethora of other shops... including many other Swedish designers (everything from H&M to Filippa K).

This particular J.Lindeberg boutique only carries menswear. If you are interested in womenswear, then I would recommend a visit to their flagship store on Biblioteksgatan 6 in the downtown area. If you are looking for a deal, then I can recommend a visit to their outlet store at Stockholm Quality Outlets in Barkarby where you can find last season's fashion for up to 70% off the regular price. (all pictures in this article are by me!)

J.Lindeberg Boutique on Södermalm

Posted by zlatin

Swedish fashion labels have become very popular internationally... and I often get asked by visitors where certain boutiques are located in the city. Stockholm has become synonymous with effortless chic (recently voted by travelers as "Style Capital of the World") thanks in large part to these well known Swedish fashion labels. So we were very happy at the Rival Hotel when we heard that J.Lindeberg (one of the most popular brands) had opened a menswear boutique right around the corner from the hotel!

J. Lindeberg was founded in Stockholm in 1996 and has grown into a global brand with almost 90 stores around the world in cities like New York, Munich, Miami, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Los Angeles as well as being found in over 900 boutiques and high-end department stores. Their collections include menswear and womenswear and feature fashion, tailoring, denim, golf & skiwear. I have always really liked J.Lindeberg... especially for the way they combine fashion with sportswear. I am also a big fan of their jeans!

The boutique near the hotel is located on St Paulsgatan 3, just a 5-10 minute walk away. It is also conveniently located just 10 meters away from the semi-pedestrian street Götgatsbacken, where you will find a plethora of other shops... including many other Swedish designers (everything from H&M to Filippa K).

This particular J.Lindeberg boutique only carries menswear. If you are interested in womenswear, then I would recommend a visit to their flagship store on Biblioteksgatan 6 in the downtown area. If you are looking for a deal, then I can recommend a visit to their outlet store at Stockholm Quality Outlets in Barkarby where you can find last season's fashion for up to 70% off the regular price. (all pictures in this article are by me!)

Stockholm Furniture and Light Fairs

Twelve - Established Nordic Designers
Photo by: Gustav Karlsson Frost, Stockholmsmässan

Almost everyone has heard the terms Swedish Design, Nordic Design or Scandinavian Design, and the terms usually bring to mind clean lines, minimalism, natural products and functionality. Design Week, here in Stockholm, is winding down... the city has been filled with different showings, fairs and shows for people working in the design (furniture, lighting, interior design, fashion) industry. But we (the riffraff who don't work in the industry) have our chance to view all of the latest items in the world of Scandinavian Design tomorrow, Saturday, February 8th, when the Stockholm Furniture and Nordic Light fairs open their doors for the general public.

Lighting trend 14/15 - Natural Elements
Photo by: Gustav Karlsson Frost, Stockholmsmässan

 This is basically two fairs in one... lighting & furniture with interior design elements. The fairs are located at Stockholmsmässan (Stockholm International Fairs and Congress Centre) out in the southern suburb of Älvsjö. I recently blogged about Stockholmsmässan and you can read more there about how to get to the fairgrounds from the Rival Hotel (easy!) plus other practical information. The general public is welcome between 11am and 3:45pm and admission costs 140 SEK. Come and get inspired to do "scandi" redecorating when you go back home!

Stockholm Furniture and Light Fairs

Posted by zlatin

Twelve - Established Nordic Designers
Photo by: Gustav Karlsson Frost, Stockholmsmässan

Almost everyone has heard the terms Swedish Design, Nordic Design or Scandinavian Design, and the terms usually bring to mind clean lines, minimalism, natural products and functionality. Design Week, here in Stockholm, is winding down... the city has been filled with different showings, fairs and shows for people working in the design (furniture, lighting, interior design, fashion) industry. But we (the riffraff who don't work in the industry) have our chance to view all of the latest items in the world of Scandinavian Design tomorrow, Saturday, February 8th, when the Stockholm Furniture and Nordic Light fairs open their doors for the general public.

Lighting trend 14/15 - Natural Elements
Photo by: Gustav Karlsson Frost, Stockholmsmässan

 This is basically two fairs in one... lighting & furniture with interior design elements. The fairs are located at Stockholmsmässan (Stockholm International Fairs and Congress Centre) out in the southern suburb of Älvsjö. I recently blogged about Stockholmsmässan and you can read more there about how to get to the fairgrounds from the Rival Hotel (easy!) plus other practical information. The general public is welcome between 11am and 3:45pm and admission costs 140 SEK. Come and get inspired to do "scandi" redecorating when you go back home!

Countdown to Christmas- Part 3!

Christmas tree inside NK...

I had a wonderful weekend showing visiting relatives around a Christmassy Stockholm. We visited several Christmas markets, saw the window displays at NK, ate a Christmas smogasbord (julbord) at Mr French and took in a Lucia concert at St Jacob's church. All that was missing was some snow!

Lucia procession in St Jacob's church.

I am not writing this just to brag about my weekend... but to pass on a little tip! We did manage also to visit the gingerbread house competition/display at the Center for Architecture & Design. This is an annual competition where three categories of contestants can participate: children under 12, amateur bakers as well as professional designers, bakers and architects. This year's theme is "future forms" and it was great to especially see how some children view the future (very whimsical and creative).

Speaking of children... this is a popular place to visit if you are in Stockholm with kiddies. Especially as the entrance to the exhibit is free! So you can always drag your kids to next-door Moderna (modern art museum) by bribing them with a visit to the gingerbread house display afterwards. The winners have already been determined (after a vote by the public), but all of the designs can be viewed until January 5th.

The Center is located on the island of Skeppsholmen. You can get there from the Rival Hotel by either a nice walk through Gamla Stan and then across the bridge to Skeppsholmen or by taking the Djurgård ferry from Slussen (10 minute trip). Just make sure you tell them that you wish to disembark at Skeppsholmen as they stop there only on request during the low season.

Countdown to Christmas- Part 3!

Posted by zlatin

Christmas tree inside NK...

I had a wonderful weekend showing visiting relatives around a Christmassy Stockholm. We visited several Christmas markets, saw the window displays at NK, ate a Christmas smogasbord (julbord) at Mr French and took in a Lucia concert at St Jacob's church. All that was missing was some snow!

Lucia procession in St Jacob's church.

I am not writing this just to brag about my weekend... but to pass on a little tip! We did manage also to visit the gingerbread house competition/display at the Center for Architecture & Design. This is an annual competition where three categories of contestants can participate: children under 12, amateur bakers as well as professional designers, bakers and architects. This year's theme is "future forms" and it was great to especially see how some children view the future (very whimsical and creative).

Speaking of children... this is a popular place to visit if you are in Stockholm with kiddies. Especially as the entrance to the exhibit is free! So you can always drag your kids to next-door Moderna (modern art museum) by bribing them with a visit to the gingerbread house display afterwards. The winners have already been determined (after a vote by the public), but all of the designs can be viewed until January 5th.

The Center is located on the island of Skeppsholmen. You can get there from the Rival Hotel by either a nice walk through Gamla Stan and then across the bridge to Skeppsholmen or by taking the Djurgård ferry from Slussen (10 minute trip). Just make sure you tell them that you wish to disembark at Skeppsholmen as they stop there only on request during the low season.

Countdown to Christmas- Part 2!

The royal palace lit up under a wintery sky.

Last weekend I wrote about the first Christmassy happenings in Stockholm... but this weekend (Nov 29th to Dec 1st) is the official start of the holiday season in Sweden (and many other parts of the world). It is the beginning of Advent, which always starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It is this weekend when Swedes traditionally consider it permissible (in the name of good taste) to put up holiday decorations at home 

So, what kicks off this Advent Season? Well, to start off with, two more Christmas markets open for the season. The traditional & historic market at Skansen opens on Saturday and will be open each Advent weekend (Sat & Sun). The market in Kungsträdgården opened today (Friday) for business and will be open daily until December 22nd. Two specialty markets are open this weekend and only this weekend. The Royal Mews/Stables have their traditional Christmas fair this weekend (Fri-Sun) and the students at Konstfack (College of Art, Crafts & Design) have their market on Sat & Sun. Click for more information on various Christmas markets this season.

A contestant at last year's competition.

The Swedish Center for Architecture & Design's popular gingerbread house contest has started and the "houses" competing are now on display. You have until December 14th to stop by and cast your vote (they will, however, be on display until January 5th). The theme of the competition is "future forms" and the competitors are split into three groups...1. architects, designers and professional bakers. 2. children under the age of 12. 3. everyone else! The Center is located on the island of Skeppsholmen. 

Last minute preparations of the official tree.

Finally... the official Christmas tree is going to be lit at 3pm on Sunday! This giant tree is a bit of a symbol for Stockholm during the holiday season and is located in Gamla Stan on the Skeppsbron waterfront. Right next to the tree is the restaurant Mr French which I visited a few weeks ago. Not only will they be serving julbord, the traditional Christmas smörgåsbord, but they will be putting on their own Christmas market in their lounge where you can buy traditional market items as well as sandwiches and hot chocolate while sitting around an open fire. 

Countdown to Christmas- Part 2!

Posted by zlatin

The royal palace lit up under a wintery sky.

Last weekend I wrote about the first Christmassy happenings in Stockholm... but this weekend (Nov 29th to Dec 1st) is the official start of the holiday season in Sweden (and many other parts of the world). It is the beginning of Advent, which always starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It is this weekend when Swedes traditionally consider it permissible (in the name of good taste) to put up holiday decorations at home 

So, what kicks off this Advent Season? Well, to start off with, two more Christmas markets open for the season. The traditional & historic market at Skansen opens on Saturday and will be open each Advent weekend (Sat & Sun). The market in Kungsträdgården opened today (Friday) for business and will be open daily until December 22nd. Two specialty markets are open this weekend and only this weekend. The Royal Mews/Stables have their traditional Christmas fair this weekend (Fri-Sun) and the students at Konstfack (College of Art, Crafts & Design) have their market on Sat & Sun. Click for more information on various Christmas markets this season.

A contestant at last year's competition.

The Swedish Center for Architecture & Design's popular gingerbread house contest has started and the "houses" competing are now on display. You have until December 14th to stop by and cast your vote (they will, however, be on display until January 5th). The theme of the competition is "future forms" and the competitors are split into three groups...1. architects, designers and professional bakers. 2. children under the age of 12. 3. everyone else! The Center is located on the island of Skeppsholmen. 

Last minute preparations of the official tree.

Finally... the official Christmas tree is going to be lit at 3pm on Sunday! This giant tree is a bit of a symbol for Stockholm during the holiday season and is located in Gamla Stan on the Skeppsbron waterfront. Right next to the tree is the restaurant Mr French which I visited a few weeks ago. Not only will they be serving julbord, the traditional Christmas smörgåsbord, but they will be putting on their own Christmas market in their lounge where you can buy traditional market items as well as sandwiches and hot chocolate while sitting around an open fire. 

Exploring Stockholm's Architecture!

Stockholm Public Library by Gunnar Asplund (photo by me!)

Stockholm has some amazing architecture... from Gothic to the ultra-modern and from the unknown to the world famous. The most common architecture themed questions I get from hotel guests usually pertain to the architect Gunnar Asplund and his well known work, especially the Stockholm Public Library and the Skogskyrkogården ("Woodland Cemetery") which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Woodland Cemetery (c) Susanne Hallmann, Kyrkogårdsförvaltningen Stockholms stad

If you are coming to Stockholm and happen to be an architecture buff... then I have some good tips for you. To start off with, make sure to visit the museum Arkitektur och Designcentrum (The Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design)! Formerly known as Arkitekturmuseet, located on the island of Skeppsholmen just adjacent to the modern art museum Moderna, they have some interesting exhibitions... like the current Light Houses- Young Nordic Architecture. They also have some fun events, like their annual Ginger Bread House competition!

Karolinska new lecture hall. Photo: Pol Martin/arcspace

If you want to explore the city and see the architecture first hand, then there are some nifty new ways to do so. First off you have an online guide to Stockholm architecture provided by the wonderful people at arcspace. They have a fantastic architectural travel guide to Stockholm with great information of the best architectural designs in the city... including pictures, design information, addresses and more. The Rival Hotel is mentioned as well! It is completely free and you can either print out the guide ahead of time and take it with you or have it open on your smart phone or tablet computer while you wander through Stockholm.

Hammarbysjöstad Observatorium landscpe. Photo: Pol Martin/arcspace

Next up you have the app Arkitektur Nu (provided by the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design)  which you can download to your smart phone for free. This app uses GPS and needs no cellular or internet connection to use... so free to download and free to use! The app has an interactive map and features some of the most acclaimed projects of recent years. These two guides/apps are mainly concerned with more modern architecture... if you are interested in architecture of the histroric variety, check this website regarding architectural styles in Gamla Stan (old town). In this area of the city you will find everything from Late Renaissance to Baroque to Art Nouveau.

Some girder anchors on a building in Gamla Stan.

A bit of architectural trivia for you... when you are walking around Gamla Stan, admiring the buildings, keep an eye on the girder anchors (or anchor plates). These pieces of iron anchor the inside beams to the houses' exterior structure and come in different forms (everything from straight lines to curly q's). Each decade or time period has its own design... so the age of the building can be determined by the girder anchor on the outside. Click here for a guide for some of them.

Exploring Stockholm's Architecture!

Posted by zlatin

Stockholm Public Library by Gunnar Asplund (photo by me!)

Stockholm has some amazing architecture... from Gothic to the ultra-modern and from the unknown to the world famous. The most common architecture themed questions I get from hotel guests usually pertain to the architect Gunnar Asplund and his well known work, especially the Stockholm Public Library and the Skogskyrkogården ("Woodland Cemetery") which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Woodland Cemetery (c) Susanne Hallmann, Kyrkogårdsförvaltningen Stockholms stad

If you are coming to Stockholm and happen to be an architecture buff... then I have some good tips for you. To start off with, make sure to visit the museum Arkitektur och Designcentrum (The Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design)! Formerly known as Arkitekturmuseet, located on the island of Skeppsholmen just adjacent to the modern art museum Moderna, they have some interesting exhibitions... like the current Light Houses- Young Nordic Architecture. They also have some fun events, like their annual Ginger Bread House competition!

Karolinska new lecture hall. Photo: Pol Martin/arcspace

If you want to explore the city and see the architecture first hand, then there are some nifty new ways to do so. First off you have an online guide to Stockholm architecture provided by the wonderful people at arcspace. They have a fantastic architectural travel guide to Stockholm with great information of the best architectural designs in the city... including pictures, design information, addresses and more. The Rival Hotel is mentioned as well! It is completely free and you can either print out the guide ahead of time and take it with you or have it open on your smart phone or tablet computer while you wander through Stockholm.

Hammarbysjöstad Observatorium landscpe. Photo: Pol Martin/arcspace

Next up you have the app Arkitektur Nu (provided by the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design)  which you can download to your smart phone for free. This app uses GPS and needs no cellular or internet connection to use... so free to download and free to use! The app has an interactive map and features some of the most acclaimed projects of recent years. These two guides/apps are mainly concerned with more modern architecture... if you are interested in architecture of the histroric variety, check this website regarding architectural styles in Gamla Stan (old town). In this area of the city you will find everything from Late Renaissance to Baroque to Art Nouveau.

Some girder anchors on a building in Gamla Stan.

A bit of architectural trivia for you... when you are walking around Gamla Stan, admiring the buildings, keep an eye on the girder anchors (or anchor plates). These pieces of iron anchor the inside beams to the houses' exterior structure and come in different forms (everything from straight lines to curly q's). Each decade or time period has its own design... so the age of the building can be determined by the girder anchor on the outside. Click here for a guide for some of them.

Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk!

I finally made it! I had been looking forward to this exhibition since it was first announced but have had trouble working it into my busy summer schedule.

Talking & singing mannequins

The Architecture Museum (Arkitekturmuseet) has recently changed its name to Architecture & Design Center (Arkitektur och Designcentrum). A good idea, in my opinion, as Swedish design is a popular concept internationally and it also allows the museum to host a number of great exhibitions... like the current Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk!

Madonna in Gaultier

For those who do not know who Jean Paul Gaultier is... he is a famous French fashion designer, known best for working closely with Madonna on several of her tours and videos (who can forget the famous cone bra?), putting skirts & kilts on men and designing the wardrobe for several movies, including The Fifth Element and The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover.

Wheat corset dress

Often referred to as "l'enfant terrible" of the French fashion world, he was one of the first fashion designers who made fashion popular and accessible to the everyday person (on a broad scale) and not just for hardcore fashionistas. Always a bit controversial and rock & roll... many of his runway shows have caused the Establishment to gasp or shake their heads.

Punk!

If you are visiting Stockholm in the upcoming months (last day is September 22, 2013) then you have the opportunity to see his fabulous fashions up close. I was very impressed with the exhibition as it is much larger and comprehensive than I had anticipated. It contains 120 outfits, sketches by the designer, fashion editorials featuring his creations and movie clips. The fashion covers almost his entire career with both haute couture and pret-a-porter represented as well as his work with Madonna and in Hollywood.

For the shy lady...

Some of the mannequins sing and talk through a clever use of video images superimposed on the mannequins' faces. You are able to get quite close to the fashion ensembles, so keep an eye on the detail work. I was especially amazed the leopard corset that, upon closer inspection, turned out to be solely intricate beadwork and not fur.

Beaded detail.

The museum is located on the island of Skeppsholmen, adjacent to the modern art museum (Moderna Museet). The easiest way to get to the museum from the Rival Hotel is by ferry... click here for more information. Entrance costs 120 SEK for adults, 100 for senior citizens and free for children under 19 as well as holders of the Stockholm Card. One good thing to know: you can purchase a combination ticket that allows you entrance to Moderna as well, where they have a great Pop Art & Design exhibition right now (cost 200 SEK).

Indian wedding dress.

Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk!

Posted by zlatin

I finally made it! I had been looking forward to this exhibition since it was first announced but have had trouble working it into my busy summer schedule.

Talking & singing mannequins

The Architecture Museum (Arkitekturmuseet) has recently changed its name to Architecture & Design Center (Arkitektur och Designcentrum). A good idea, in my opinion, as Swedish design is a popular concept internationally and it also allows the museum to host a number of great exhibitions... like the current Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk!

Madonna in Gaultier

For those who do not know who Jean Paul Gaultier is... he is a famous French fashion designer, known best for working closely with Madonna on several of her tours and videos (who can forget the famous cone bra?), putting skirts & kilts on men and designing the wardrobe for several movies, including The Fifth Element and The Cook, The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover.

Wheat corset dress

Often referred to as "l'enfant terrible" of the French fashion world, he was one of the first fashion designers who made fashion popular and accessible to the everyday person (on a broad scale) and not just for hardcore fashionistas. Always a bit controversial and rock & roll... many of his runway shows have caused the Establishment to gasp or shake their heads.

Punk!

If you are visiting Stockholm in the upcoming months (last day is September 22, 2013) then you have the opportunity to see his fabulous fashions up close. I was very impressed with the exhibition as it is much larger and comprehensive than I had anticipated. It contains 120 outfits, sketches by the designer, fashion editorials featuring his creations and movie clips. The fashion covers almost his entire career with both haute couture and pret-a-porter represented as well as his work with Madonna and in Hollywood.

For the shy lady...

Some of the mannequins sing and talk through a clever use of video images superimposed on the mannequins' faces. You are able to get quite close to the fashion ensembles, so keep an eye on the detail work. I was especially amazed the leopard corset that, upon closer inspection, turned out to be solely intricate beadwork and not fur.

Beaded detail.

The museum is located on the island of Skeppsholmen, adjacent to the modern art museum (Moderna Museet). The easiest way to get to the museum from the Rival Hotel is by ferry... click here for more information. Entrance costs 120 SEK for adults, 100 for senior citizens and free for children under 19 as well as holders of the Stockholm Card. One good thing to know: you can purchase a combination ticket that allows you entrance to Moderna as well, where they have a great Pop Art & Design exhibition right now (cost 200 SEK).

Indian wedding dress.

Swedish Design at HAPPYsthlm

Pretty soon Stockholm will be filled with happy summer visitors! Swedish/Scandinavian Design has really become a famous and popular concept these days and one of the top questions I get from visitors is where they can see and purchase great design knick-knacks in the city. As you can imagine, Stockholm is filled with interior design stores, some better than others, from small independent shops to larger chain stores.

A new boutique, called HAPPYsthlm, has recently opened in Gamla Stan and offers a great opportunity to find some unique objects... whether for your home, yourself or souvenirs for friends & family. On a side note I can explain that "sthlm" is a shortened form of Stockholm, used by Swedes. Behind HAPPYsthlm is a trio of local designers (Katarina Andersson, Kajsa Aronsson and Caroline Lindholm) who have worked together for many years. Each of them has had success in their respective fields of design (product, textile and jewellery) but always dreamed of opening their own independent boutique together. A dream that was fulfilled late last summer when they opened HAPPYsthlm!

In the store you will find vases, ceramics, napkins, tea towels, cushions, place mats, fabric, silver earrings & pendants and much, much more. All making it easy to give your home that Scandi feel when you get return from your vacation. The boutique's location in Gamla Stan is just a 10-12 minute walk from the Rival Hotel, otherwise it is just a couple of blocks from the Gamla Stan subway station (green & red lines). All three pictures in this article were taken by Karin Björkquist, with thanks to HAPPYsthlm.
Click here for some earlier shopping tips!

Swedish Design at HAPPYsthlm

Posted by zlatin

Pretty soon Stockholm will be filled with happy summer visitors! Swedish/Scandinavian Design has really become a famous and popular concept these days and one of the top questions I get from visitors is where they can see and purchase great design knick-knacks in the city. As you can imagine, Stockholm is filled with interior design stores, some better than others, from small independent shops to larger chain stores.

A new boutique, called HAPPYsthlm, has recently opened in Gamla Stan and offers a great opportunity to find some unique objects... whether for your home, yourself or souvenirs for friends & family. On a side note I can explain that "sthlm" is a shortened form of Stockholm, used by Swedes. Behind HAPPYsthlm is a trio of local designers (Katarina Andersson, Kajsa Aronsson and Caroline Lindholm) who have worked together for many years. Each of them has had success in their respective fields of design (product, textile and jewellery) but always dreamed of opening their own independent boutique together. A dream that was fulfilled late last summer when they opened HAPPYsthlm!

In the store you will find vases, ceramics, napkins, tea towels, cushions, place mats, fabric, silver earrings & pendants and much, much more. All making it easy to give your home that Scandi feel when you get return from your vacation. The boutique's location in Gamla Stan is just a 10-12 minute walk from the Rival Hotel, otherwise it is just a couple of blocks from the Gamla Stan subway station (green & red lines). All three pictures in this article were taken by Karin Björkquist, with thanks to HAPPYsthlm.
Click here for some earlier shopping tips!

Ginger Bread House Competition at Architecture Museum

While visiting Moderna Museet yesterday (see blog entry below), I stopped by the Architecture Museum (Arkitekturmuseet) to see their exhibition on ginger bread houses. You see, both museums have the same entrance and you can either pay a 60 SEK entrance fee for the architecture museum, or you can pay 160 SEK for a combination ticket for both museums (reduced price for senior citizens and free for children under 19 years of age).

This exhibition is actually a display of contest entries for the annual ginger bread house competition. There are four categories of competitors... architects, professional bakers, amateur bakers and children up to 12. There are over a hundred entries this year and I couldn't decide whether I liked the professional and creative houses or the whimsical houses created by children. The theme this year is "I can join! Bake your smart idea for a better life" (direct translation from Swedish). Quite a vague theme... but it was fun to walk through the exhibit and see the different houses and breathe in the peppery ginger scent (but don't eat the works of art!). Visitors can vote for their favorite designs at the museum. Prizes will be awarded at 3pm on December 16th for designs in the different categories; winners are decided by both a jury and the public. If you are coming later in the month, don't worry, the exhibition will run until January 6th!

The museum is located on the island of Skeppsholmen and is easy get there from the Rival Hotel. There are regular ferries between Slussen (10 minute walk from hotel) to the islands of Skeppsholmen and Djurgården. The trip takes only 10 minutes, but make sure you tell the ticket agent that you wish to disembark at Skeppsholmen... sometimes they don't stop at that island if there aren't any passengers to drop off or pick up.

Ginger Bread House Competition at Architecture Museum

Posted by zlatin

While visiting Moderna Museet yesterday (see blog entry below), I stopped by the Architecture Museum (Arkitekturmuseet) to see their exhibition on ginger bread houses. You see, both museums have the same entrance and you can either pay a 60 SEK entrance fee for the architecture museum, or you can pay 160 SEK for a combination ticket for both museums (reduced price for senior citizens and free for children under 19 years of age).

This exhibition is actually a display of contest entries for the annual ginger bread house competition. There are four categories of competitors... architects, professional bakers, amateur bakers and children up to 12. There are over a hundred entries this year and I couldn't decide whether I liked the professional and creative houses or the whimsical houses created by children. The theme this year is "I can join! Bake your smart idea for a better life" (direct translation from Swedish). Quite a vague theme... but it was fun to walk through the exhibit and see the different houses and breathe in the peppery ginger scent (but don't eat the works of art!). Visitors can vote for their favorite designs at the museum. Prizes will be awarded at 3pm on December 16th for designs in the different categories; winners are decided by both a jury and the public. If you are coming later in the month, don't worry, the exhibition will run until January 6th!

The museum is located on the island of Skeppsholmen and is easy get there from the Rival Hotel. There are regular ferries between Slussen (10 minute walk from hotel) to the islands of Skeppsholmen and Djurgården. The trip takes only 10 minutes, but make sure you tell the ticket agent that you wish to disembark at Skeppsholmen... sometimes they don't stop at that island if there aren't any passengers to drop off or pick up.