Fotografiska
Contemporary photography on the Södermalm waterfront
Fotografiska on Södermalm shows rotating world-class exhibitions of contemporary photography in a former customs house on the water – open late, until 23:00.
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Photography on the water
Fotografiska is one of the most acclaimed venues for contemporary photography anywhere, set right on the waterfront of Södermalm, facing the old town. Rather than a permanent collection, the museum, founded in 2010, runs a constantly changing programme: around 15 to 20 exhibitions a year, featuring both international names and rising talents. A single admission ticket covers everything currently on show.
The customs house
The museum occupies the former Stora Tullhuset, the old customs house, built between 1906 and 1910 to designs by Ferdinand Boberg in the Art Nouveau style. Its striking brick façade with large arched windows still defines the Stadsgården waterfront today – a fitting frame for photography, and worth a look in its own right.
What to expect
The programme ranges from fashion photography to staged artistic work to socially engaged photojournalism. For 2026, shows included work by Martin Parr, Kevin Abosch, Lotta Antonsson and Lebohang Kganye, alongside the anniversary exhibition "15 Fotografiska Years". Exactly which exhibitions are running changes regularly, so it's worth checking the current programme before you visit. Upstairs there's a restaurant with sweeping views over the harbour and the old town, plus a bistro, bar and café.
Visiting and practicalities
Most visitors need around 1.5 to 2 hours for the exhibitions. One thing that sets Fotografiska apart is its long opening hours: the museum stays open daily until 23:00, making it one of the few attractions that works well as an evening plan – the blue hour over the water is especially lovely from here. To save money, come on Wednesdays from 18:00 (two tickets for the price of one) or, if you're a senior, on Tuesdays. Tickets are available online in advance or on the day.
Fotografiska sits on the eastern shore of Södermalm; from there it's just a few minutes' walk up to the viewpoint at Fjällgatan or to the Katarinahissen. For more on the neighbourhood, with its cafés and viewpoints, see the guide to Södermalm.
Frequently asked questions
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Nearby
Fjällgatan
A cobbled lane high above the water on Södermalm, lined with wooden houses from the 18th century – with sweeping views over Gamla Stan, the harbour and Djurgården.
Katarina kyrka
A landmark Baroque church by Jean de la Vallée on Södermalm, rebuilt with historic techniques after the 1990 fire. Free admission.
Katarinahissen
A steel lift from Slussen up to a hilltop walkway over Södermalm, with panoramic views over Gamla Stan, the harbour and the water. Ride and view are free.
Stadsmuseet
The Stadsmuseet (Stockholm City Museum), in a 1685 Baroque building at Slussen on Södermalm, tells the city's history through a collection of over 300,000 objects.
Gröna Lund
Gröna Lund, known to locals as "Grönan", is Sweden's oldest amusement park (since 1883) on Djurgården – 30 rides, seven roller coasters and summer concerts.
Moderna Museet
Sweden's museum of modern and contemporary art on Skeppsholmen – Picasso, Dalí, Matisse and Nordic modernism, free admission to the permanent collection.