Thiel Gallery
Preserving a listed art museum
Founded in 1907 and situated in a walled park far out on Djurgården’s Blockhusudden, the Thiel Gallery is one of Sweden’s most beautiful museums. We have served as building architect and general consultant for the gallery since 2013, providing administrative support and taking responsibility for the listed building’s maintenance and development on an ongoing basis.
The architect Ferdinand Boberg designed the Thiel Gallery. He drew inspiration for the unusual building from the Orient, southern Europe and the late Art Nouveau era. Work on the venue was completed in 1907, realising the dream of financier and patron of the arts Ernest Thiel to create a home and art gallery. After being acquired by the state in 1924, Thiel was converted into a museum, before being conferred national listed building status in 1958. Our work on the museum always takes place in close collaboration with the National Property Board of Sweden. As well as the venue’s tenants.
Complex projects requiring a highly sensitive approach
Our projects at the Thiel Gallery are often of a complex nature, requiring knowledge and understanding of a range of factors related to climate, technology, logistics and programming within the scope of an art museum. With considerable respect for the cultural-historical values of this listed building, we carry out adjustments and highly skilled design work on a small and large scale. We also handle permit issues, long-term plans for maintenance and restoration as well as acting in an advisory capacity. Among other things, the commission requires advanced knowledge of installation techniques both new and old.
Our role in the project is fundamentally underpinned by a holistic approach, awareness and flexibility.
Effective collaboration and close contact
Since 2013, we have worked on a range of projects at the Thiel Gallery. We have renovated the café kitchen and cafeteria and installed new lighting in the exhibition halls. We have also prepared the Annex for the museum’s offices and conferences. To improve accessibility, we conducted a comprehensive survey of the entire venue. This led to the installation of a new lift and the creation of new public areas, including a shop, cloakrooms, and toilets.
Effective and clearly defined partnerships are fundamental to every project. To ensure this, we involve technical consultants and other specialists at an early stage. Close contact and long-term collaboration with administrators, tenants, and authorities remain essential. We also work closely with specialists, craftsmen, and contractors throughout the process. Our role in the project is built on a holistic approach, strong awareness, and flexibility.
