Magasin III

Magasin III was founded in 1987 to fill a gap. It is private institution with a mission to make the best of contemporary art available to a broad public. Through ambitious presentations of internationally established artists Magasin III has become one of the most important institutions in Sweden for contemporary art.

Magasin III believes that art has the ability to challenge and inspire people and society. That is why we have supported the arts since our inception, providing exhibiting artists with the opportunity to produce new works that influence, engage, and question. Then, as now, we invite you to experience the commitment, ambition and creativity of internationally established artists from around the world. Our exhibitions are at the core of our ever-growing collection of works by artists relevant to our time.

Today Magasin III is one of the leading institutions of contemporary art in Europe. For over 25 years we have lent works from our collection to museums around the world. Located since the beginning in a former warehouse in Frihamnen (the former Free Port of Stockholm) Magasin III also has plans to create international satellite projects.

Magasin III – a brief history.

At the beginning of the 1980s, Robert Weil and I discussed the idea of starting an alternative platform for contemporary visual art in Stockholm. At a time when the New York City art scene was a strong cultural influence, Magasin III initially drew significant inspiration from the US and especially from New York.

During these first years, we worked under a kind of unspoken mantra that we in Sweden would “lose out” if Magasin III didn’t step in to fill a gap. It became clear that we could act as an important arena for art both nationally and in Scandinavia; the opportunities to invite and introduce the international art scene to Magasin III seemed limitless.

For nearly thirty years, Magasin III has invited artists to develop, change, and experiment with their artistic practice. We have always started with an idea and almost never asked: “Is this possible?” Perhaps this is why artists have always been our strongest supporters. These brilliant individuals continue to explore our world and return to us at Magasin III from time to time to present their latest thoughts.

This unique vision, along with generous operative support and the belief that art and culture are naturally central elements in society, comes from Robert Weil, board chairman of Magasin III. Driven by the belief that the creative process has a great deal to offer other fields and individuals, he has, through his personal commitment, ensured the growth of Magasin III from a smaller alternative art space into an unparalleled museum of contemporary art.

From day one, those of us who work at Magasin III have had a strong foundation for carrying out this particular endeavor. Through the new website you can take part in our accomplishments over the years: collaborations with numerous artists that have led to the creation of new artworks, exhibitions, public talks, podcasts, films, books, concerts and performances, and not least the formation of our remarkable collection. I hope it is apparent what an incredible journey this has been, and that our determination has successfully contributed to the creation of new art.

With this record of success, we move forward with new challenges: diligent efforts to expand, conserve and exhibit a fascinating collection that as a whole reflects much of our work, to increase accessibility to our history, to foster the development of satellite projects out in the world, and not least to continue to deepen our relationships with art and artists.

David Neuman
Museum Director

Magasin III Museum & Foundation for Contemporary Art is an independent cultural institution under the auspices of the privately-owned Proventus Group.

The Family Robert Weil Foundation, dedicated to public benefit, has as one of its aims to promote the arts.