Encircled by the waters of the Baltic, the Kattegat, and the Øresund, Malmö stands as Sweden’s third-largest city. Once a part of Denmark, it transitioned to Swedish sovereignty in 1658. Presently, this southern port city exudes a distinctive charm, seemingly challenging both Copenhagen and Stockholm by maintaining a notably lower cost of living. This allure has beckoned a community of dedicated creatives who embrace experimentation.
At the heart of Malmö’s identity lies a commitment to exceptional design, evident even in the intricacies of its bicycle path network, solidifying its status as one of Europe’s premier bicycle-friendly cities. While the treasures of Malmö are prominently scattered throughout the walkable Gamla Staden (‘Old Town’), opting for a bicycle unlocks the full panorama of the city. From the bohemian enclave of Möllevången to the ultramodern Västra Hamnen, cycling unveils the comprehensive evolution of southern Swedish design, tracing its origins from royal courts to contemporary expressions.
1. Mitt Möllan
Embark on your cycling journey by renting a bike from one of Donkey Republic’s numerous stations and make your way to Mitt Möllan. Nestled in the multicultural Möllevangen, Mitt Möllan is an assembly of independent design boutiques. Explore handmade North African ceramics at La Kasbah and peruse rune-stamped rings at Pill & Punch. Conclude your visit with a culinary delight in the food court, where couples indulge in bao buns and bento boxes beneath paper mobiles crafted by Swedish designer Egil Jansson.
2. Artibus Malmö
This artist cooperative offers studio space to 30 of Malmö’s ceramicists, catering to a diverse membership ranging from hobbyists to seasoned professionals. Many members showcase their exquisite reactive-glaze vases and hand-thrown tableware in the cooperative’s shop. Typically accessible only on the first weekend of each month and on weekends throughout December, Artibus Malmö may accommodate visits outside these scheduled times upon advance inquiry.
3. Moderna Museet
Venture into the Gamla Staden (Old Town) to explore Malmö’s primary contemporary art museum. Housed within a former electricity plant inaugurated in 1901, it underwent a modern transformation in 2008 by the Swedish architectural firm Tham & Videgård. The makeover replaced its industrial brickwork with a vibrant electric orange façade. The upper galleries host rotating exhibitions, and the museum’s boutique offers minimalist mobiles and other art-themed homeware.
4. Form/Design Centre
Before departing the Old Town, a visit to Malmö’s unofficial design hub, the Form/Design Centre, is a must. Functioning as both a workshop and gallery space dedicated to craftsmanship, it regularly features exhibitions on compelling topics such as sustainability and semantics. The associated shop is a treasure trove of independent Swedish design, showcasing globular glass sculptures by lighting brand Swedish Ninja alongside traditional throws by Klippan Yllefabrik.
5. Malmöhus Castle
This extensive and diverse museum, housed in Malmöhus Castle, presents a myriad of exhibits, ranging from stuffed leopards to leopard-skin coats. The upper level is a treasure trove of highly functional household furnishings and decorations from the 1950s, regarded as the ‘golden age’ of Scandinavian design. Additionally, visitors can explore a recreation of an interior from the Gustavian Era (1772-1809), a period often considered the cornerstone of 20th-century Swedish design.
6. Aster
Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at Aster, a grill restaurant that places a strong emphasis on design. Here, the dishes are not just culinary delights but also visual spectacles, complemented by berry-like lighting fixtures that add to the aesthetic ambiance. Anticipate expertly charred skewers adorned with herbs and vegetables sourced directly from the owners’ garden. Situated in the Västra Hamnen (Western Harbour), Aster enjoys a commanding presence next to the Turning Torso, a 623-foot-high, twisting skyscraper designed by the renowned Spanish sculptor and architect, Santiago Calatrava.