Konstakademien Set to Reopen After Near-Disastrous Fire

Konstakademien in Stockholm is preparing to reopen its doors to the public on August 23, 2025, following a devastating fire that occurred in June which almost completely engulfed the historic building. The fire, believed to have originated from an electrical cabinet, left the prominent institution a mere 90-120 seconds from catastrophe, described as a 'superdramatic' situation by Lena From, the permanent secretary of the academy.

Fortunately, the building and the extensive collection of art, some dating back over 300 years, largely survived the incident, albeit with significant soot damage. A dedicated team of approximately 30 restoration experts has worked tirelessly over the summer to restore the artworks and clean the damaged premises. Their efforts have been so meticulous that From noted the academy is now 'cleaner than before', with restorers even taking on the task during their vacations to ensure a swift recovery.

The reopening will showcase a series of exhibitions, prominently featuring ‘Förklara allt – nu’ by artist Marie-Louise Ekman. This exhibition will present her installations, paintings, and glass sculptures while also integrating elements of the restoration process, providing visitors with a unique experience. In addition to Ekman’s work, the exhibitions will include pieces by artists Jesper Nyrén and Ingert Eriksson, along with a documentation of the fire and the subsequent restoration efforts.

While the exact financial impact of the restoration is still being assessed, the academy remains hopeful that insurance coverage will help address the costs, which include notable repairs such as a hole in the ceiling and extensive cleaning of the library.

The reopening of Konstakademien not only marks the resilience of the cultural institution but also highlights the community's commitment to preserving its artistic heritage amid challenging circumstances.