As Malmö Konsthall celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, we highlight the unique architecture created by Klas Anshelm – a building that over the decades has served as stage, collaborator, and actor in the encounter between art and the public. During the evening, past, present, and future will meet in three program segments that together explore how Malmö Konsthall’s architecture has been shaped, interpreted, and inspired. Participate in one program or all eveneing. Limited seating; entrance via main entrance.

5:00–5:45 PM Special tour: “When Malmö Konsthall Was Built” with Mats Österberg (in Swedish)

The evening begins with a special tour focusing on the gallery’s minimalist and functional architecture, led by Mats Österberg, who worked as Klas Anshelm’s assistant during the building’s construction. During the tour, Mats Österberg shares insights into the making of the building and its technical and aesthetic solutions – from the skylights that let in natural light to the living wooden floor – and how the idea of “low thresholds” came to shape both the architecture and the institution itself.

The tour takes place in dialogue with the gallery’s staff member Johannes Kjellgren.

6:00–7:00 PM “Art Space” – Lecture by Adam Caruso (Caruso St John Architects) (in English) – In collaboration with Sveriges Arkitekter

Architect Adam Caruso, professor at ETH Zürich and co-founder of Caruso St John Architects, is internationally renowned for his work on art and museum buildings that combine modernity with a strong sense of place and materiality.

In his lecture, Caruso returns to Malmö Konsthall – a building he analyzed in a notable 2000 essay in the journal AA Files. There, he described how Anshelm’s gallery manages to create “a spatial richness comparable to that of old factories and schools – in a newly built art hall.”

Caruso reflects on Malmö Konsthall as one of the few examples of architecture that embodies both monumentality and openness, remaining just as relevant for today’s discussions about the space of art galleries.

The talk is given in collaboration with Sveriges Arkitekter and will be conducted in English.

7:00–7:30 PM Talk: “When a New Art Museum Is Built in Malmö”(in Swedish)

A conversation on the development of the art museum, focusing on artistic processes, new working methods, and the exploration of what a future institution can be, as well as the journey there through architecture and the design of the site in Kungsparken.

Participants include Thérèse Kristiansson from the art, design, and architecture group MYCKET, Finn Williams – Malmö’s city architect, and Linda Holster, who works with organizational development at Malmö Art Museum. The conversation is moderated by Mats Stjernstedt, Director of Malmö Konsthall.

The evening is presented in collaboration with Sveriges Arkitekter, the City Planning Office of Malmö, and Malmö Art Museum.