Waldemarsudde

The legacy of Prince Eugen

The palace was commissioned by Prince Eugen and designed by the architect Ferdinand Boberg, and was built between 1903 and 1905. The gallery building was added in 1913 to house the Prince’s extensive art collection. Upon Prince Eugen’s death, the entire Waldemarsudde estate was bequeathed to the state, which was to manage it as a museum. Waldemarsudde is one of Sweden’s best known and most visited art museums and has been a listed building since 1993.

Responsibility for maintenance and development

Tengbom had the framework agreement as building architect and general consultant for Waldemarsudde between 2013-2015. This meant that we were responsible for the listed building’s maintenance and development, in collaboration with the National Property Board of Sweden and the Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde Museum. We primarily worked in the areas of architecture, conservation and technical matters, as well as regulatory requirements. In conjunction with the consultant group, as building architect we carried out project planning as well as investigative assignments. We were consultants and handled such things as permit issues and long-term plans for maintenance and restoration.

Adaptation and visions for the future

One of the projects we worked on at Waldemarsudde was the extensive rebuilding of the museum shop and entrance hall, including improvements to accessibility at the main entrance, both inside and out. We focused on environmental aspects, lighting, acoustics, and both interior and exterior maintenance. The park and gardens was also part of our work. Additionally, we developed a proposal to open the old linseed oil mill to the public.

Photo: Sten Jansin

Photo: Sten Jansin

Photo: Sten Jansin

Photo: Sten Jansin

Photo: Sten Jansin

Photo: Sten Jansin

A complex project with specific challenges

The project at Waldemarsudde presented constant challenges. Working in an art museum means tackling environmental, technical, logistical, and programming demands. The focus was on adapting and refining the design to meet today’s needs while carefully preserving Waldemarsudde’s cultural value.

Close collaboration is essential

Collaboration was key throughout the process. Technical consultants and specialists joined early on. Each project within cultural environments involves close contact with managers, tenants, and authorities. Craftsmen, contractors, and other consultants also play a vital role. This demands flexibility, coordination skills, initiative, and a keen sense of the bigger picture.