Stockholm Design Week: Asplund Week at ArkDes, February 4–9, 2025 

Gunnar Asplund, one of Sweden’s most celebrated architects and designers, left an indelible mark on the world with masterpieces like Stockholm Public Library and the Woodland Cemetery (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). To honour his legacy, ArkDes, during Stockholm Design Week (February 4–9, 2025) dedicates the week to showing Asplund’s groundbreaking work, featuring original sketches and drawings that are rarely displayed to the public. 

Asplund Week at ArkDes offers a unique opportunity to view original architectural sketches, detailed drawings, and vibrant design concepts spanning Gunnar Asplund’s illustrious career. Highlights include works from the 1925 Paris Exposition, the 1930 Stockholm Exhibition, and stunning hand-drawn plans for the Skandia Cinema. These treasures, brought out from ArkDes’ archives, will be showcased daily in Unboxing at ArkDes, open from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, February 4–9. 

Photo: Marco Cappelletti.

The week also explores Asplund’s collaborations with other leading creatives, such as architect Sigurd Lewerentz and textile designer Elsa Gullberg. Together, they produced iconic works, such as custom-made carpets for Gothenburg City Hall that feature nature-inspired designs with graphic patterns and clean, retrained lines. Visitors will be able to see the original sketches and designs, including concepts that never left the drawing board. 

With over four million architectural drawings, models, and photographs, ArkDes houses one of the most comprehensive design collections in the world. Approximately 30,000 items in the archive are dedicated to Gunnar Asplund, including the original nine sketches for Stockholm Public Library, currently on display in the museum’s permanent collection. 

Key Events During Asplund Week, Stockholm 4-9 February

Unboxing Gunnar Asplund’s Design, February 4–9, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM.
Daily showcases of original sketches and drawings. Free admission, no booking required. 

Asplund’s Magical Carpets, February 4, 6:00 PM–7:00 PM.
Design historian Kerstin Wickman presents Asplund’s collaboration with Elsa Gullberg, exploring their original designs for Gothenburg City Hall and creative concepts that were never realized. 

All events are free and open to the public. Visit www.arkdes.se for details.