Malmö Konsthall 50 years

On the 22nd of March 1975, Malmö Konsthall opened its doors for the first time. Discussions surrounding where and when Malmö would have its own space for contemporary art had been ongoing in the city since the 1930s. The opening marked the beginning of the Malmö Konsthall we know today – a dynamic institution that quickly established itself as one of northern Europe’s leading spaces for contemporary art. Five decades later, on the 22nd of March 2025, we celebrate our 50th anniversary with a presentation that honours Malmö Konsthall’s history and showcases a selection of the many fantastic exhibitions that have taken place here.

Having now produced close to 600 exhibitions, Malmö Konsthall has served as a platform for both internationally renowned and local artists. Architect Klas Anshelm’s bright, open, and flexible design has provided space for both large-scale installations and intimate encounters with art. Each exhibition is given the opportunity to create a unique experience. Over these five decades Malmö Konsthall has had several prominent artistic directors, whose collaborations with artists and curators have shaped the Konsthall’s identity. Despite its ever-evolving nature, Malmö Konsthall maintains a sense of continuity, where the atmosphere of the space and the dedication of its staff form the foundation of its activities. While the space repeatedly renews and adapts, its ultimate goals remain unchanged: to let the art speak for itself and to invite the audience to discover on their own terms.

The timeline displayed across the walls highlights key events and exhibitions from Malmö Konsthall’s fifty-year history. It features images of artworks, artists, exhibition installations, staff and visitors, as well as glimpses into the daily work that has made the Konsthall a meeting place and platform for dialogue and exploration. In addition to the images on the timeline, a selection of Malmö Konsthall’s extensive production of posters, catalogues and postcards will be displayed, alongside a presentation of Klas Anshelm’s architecture. Throughout the year, we will also host open lectures, guided tours, and discussions in connection with the 50th anniversary.

Artistic Directors of Malmö Konsthall:
 Eje Högestätt (1975–1986), Björn Springfeldt (1986–1990), Sune Nordgren (1990–1996), Bera Nordal (1997–2002), Lars Grambye (2003–2007), Jacob Fabricius (2007–2013), Diana Baldon (2014–2016) och Mats Stjernstedt (2017–)

Klas Anshelm and Malmö Konsthall

Klas Anshelm (1914–1980) was a Swedish architect based in Lund, where from the 1940s onwards he designed many buildings characteriszed by simplicity and functionality. He was inspired by contemporary ideals but over the years developed his own architectural expression, with materiality and flexibility at its core—whether designing industrial buildings, art galleries, or residential homes. Some of his most well-known buildings include Lunds Konsthall (1957), Stadshallen in Lund (1968), and, most notably, Malmö Konsthall, inaugurated in 1975.

In his project proposal for Malmö Konsthall, Anshelm presented a building that was open and adaptable to different types of exhibitions. He wanted the space to change according to the needs of the art and for visitors to encounter the artworks directly, without architecture dominating the experience.

“I think it is important that one enters an art gallery directly. As soon as you step inside the doors, you should be surrounded by art. I want people to be able to nail things to the floor and the walls without causing any damage”, Anshelm himself expressed.

The result was a bright and spacious hall featuring a glass facade facing Magistratsparken, a large north-facing skylight, and 526 lanterns, each with individually adjustable light control. The choice of raw materials and a minimalist architectural approach allows for continuous transformation, where each exhibition reshapes the space.

This presentation includes drawings, sketches, and models that provide insight into how Malmö Konsthall came to be – from early discussions in the 1930s about establishing a konsthall, through Anshelm’s initial ideas, to the completed building. Fifty years after its inauguration, Malmö Konsthall remains one of Sweden’s foremost examples of architecture in dialogue with art—a timeless space where light, openness, and adaptability allow art to take centre stage.