Over the bridge on the island of Lidingö is the Millesgården (millesgarden.se), a curious but fascinating small museum that is both a tribute to the strength of a marriage and the power of art to turn the most banal spaces into a destination. The best way to appreciate this institution is to take a minute and learn more about Carl and Olga Milles, after whom it's named, and to understand the scale of what they worked to accomplish it, and why.
Originally intended as studios for the then-newlywed couple, the space expanded over time as for almost 30 years the couple not only worked here but shared their work with others, acquiring nearby properties and turning parts of it into open air galleries. It’s an inspiring place to visit, especially for anyone interested in art and design.
Start inside and finish in the exquisite outdoor sculpture garden, designed to evoke the landscapes of Italy's Mediterranean coast, where Milles combined architectural elements from ancient Greece, Rome, medieval times and the Renaissance with his own beautiful creations. Olga's Terrace, with its fountain and sculptures, is probably a much better gift than most of us will ever get from our partners. The views across to the city from the clifftop are spectacular.
The grounds also include a crisp modern gallery for changing exhibitions of contemporary art (Carl and Olga themselves laid the tiles for the intricate black-and-white mosaic floor) and Anne's house, named after Anne Hedmark, Carl's assistant who lived there after his death; it's decorated by the renowned interior and furniture designer Josef Frank. When you're done wandering, drop into the excellent Lanthandel cafe.
