I shared some of the most impressive and unforgettable views encountered at the Frogner Sculpture Park in Oslo in my previous post. Today, I am glad to show you another fantastic collection of the most beautiful and spectacular sculptures in a completely different style and install an out-of-the-world dreamlike surrounding in Stockholm’s Swedish capital – the world-famous Millesgården.
The Millesgården is both an art museum and a sculpture garden. Located on the island of Lidingö in Stockholm, it is within the grounds of the former home (built in 1908) of the famous sculptor Carl Milles (1875 – 1955) and his wife, artist Olga Milles (1874 -1967). Millesgården consists of the following: the artist’s former home with an antique collection, a vast sculpture garden, an art gallery with a museum shop, and a restaurant. Visitors come from all around the world to enjoy both the peaceful – and highly instagrammable – sculpture park and the inspiring exhibitions.
Many of the bronze human figures or angel-like statues were installed on very tall columns or poles, making them appear to be standing or floating among the clouds when viewed from the ground. Please look out for an exciting sculpture featuring a man standing on a large hand’s thumb and index finger. This is known as “The Hand of God,” which conveys the message that man’s life and destiny are in the hands of God.
Personally, Milles loved and wished to evoke at Millesgarden the feeling and ambiance of the gardens of Italy’s Mediterranean coast. Thus, in a newly-built loggia, the Little Studio, designed by his half-brother architect, Evert Milles, Carl commissioned a fresco painting of the bay of Naples with acanthus and cactus in the foreground and olive and wheat in the distance. To further emphasize the Mediterranean character of the building and landscape fresco painting, black and white marble paths leading to the loggia were lined with marble columns. Pine trees were planted with birch trees between the trails, creating a southern European – Nordic hybrid feel.
Tan It Koon
Before retirement, Dr Tan It Koon was, among many appointments, Head of Clinical Biochemistry at SGH’s Dept of Pathology. He was the Deputy Chairman of the National Theatre Trust and Chairman for Grants and Scholarships of the Spore Cultural Foundation. He received the National Day Awards, PBM, and PPA, for his contribution to cultural and community development and excellence in Public Administration.
