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

Here at Tengbom, we have the framework agreement as building architect and general consultant for Waldemarsudde. This means that we are 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 work primarily in the areas of architecture, conservation and technical matters, as well as regulatory requirements. In conjunction with the consultant group, as building architect we carry out project planning as well as investigative assignments. We are consultants and handle such things as permit issues and long-term plans for maintenance and restoration.

Adaptation and visions for the future

One of the projects we’ve worked on at Waldemarsudde is the extensive rebuilding of the museum shop and entrance hall, including improvements to accessibility at the main entrance, both inside and out. We have focused on environmental aspects, lighting, acoustics, and both interior and exterior maintenance. The park and gardens have also been 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 presents constant challenges. Working in an art museum means tackling environmental, technical, logistical, and programming demands. The focus is on adapting and refining the design to meet today’s needs while carefully preserving Waldemarsudde’s cultural value.

Close collaboration is essential

Collaboration has been key throughout the process. Technical consultants and specialists often join early on. Each project 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.