Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Swedish Culture Special
Under a glassy sky at the factory
By Malin Norman | Photos: The Glass Factory
The Glass Factory sits bang in the middle of the Kingdom of Crystal. This interactive glass museum is the ultimate knowledge hub and creative meeting place for international artists, designers and visitors alike. With around 4,000 square metres of exhibition space and over 50,000 visitors per year, The Glass Factory in Småland is one of the biggest glass museums in Scandinavia. It offers nothing short of spectacular glass shows, a scientific glass lab and a special glass factory for children, a complete collection from the glassworks and, last but not least, live glassblowing at Glashyttan studio, the beating heart of the centre. The museum presents a programme packed with international and interdisciplinary events. From 10 March to 8 April, Finnish contemporary glass artist and filmmaker Riikka Haapasaari will showcase her narrative, poetic films about the material glass in the exhibition Under a Glassy Sky. Another exciting display is Through the Looking Glass, open from 24 March to 29 April, with images by photographers
Jan Nordström, Hans Runesson and Ove Ahlström, who have documented the Kingdom of Crystal from the 1960s. Another highlight is the collected works from three Cyrén generations: glass artist Gunnar Cyrén, who worked at Orrefors in the 1960s; designer Mårten Cyrén, and contemporary artist Carl Cyrén. The exhibition Cyrén, Cyrén, Cyrén will be open from 28 April to 27 May. Then, from 16 June, the new show Material World will present the evolution of glass during the expansive 1980s. Museum director Maja Heuer also recommends the Glass Festival, which starts on 27 April. “For two days, we open our doors to the public with a fully packed programme of all things glass,” she says. “For instance, visitors can watch the Swedish Championship in glassblowing and other fantastic demos or take part in exciting workshops.”
Back to basics on the hill
44 | Issue 110 | March 2018
Web: theglassfactory.se Facebook: theglassfactoryboda Instagram: @theglassfactoryboda
By Malin Norman | Photos: The Royal Hunt Museum – Elk Hill
At the Royal Hunt Museum – Elk Hill, fantastic nature is accessible only a short distance from Gothenburg. It is an ideal destination to explore, and where to meet wild creatures of the forest. West Sweden’s only eco park is located close to Lake Vänern, and its mountains Halleberg and Hunneberg offer rare geology and biological diversity with fascinating wildlife in addition to plenty for young and old adventurers to discover. The Royal Hunt Museum – Elk Hill is ideal for families with children, with opportunities to smell, touch and explore – practical learning in a museum environment. For instance, there is an interactive display about Swedish nature and hunting history as well as the royal hunt, which was introduced by King Oscar II in 1885 and is still active today. Visitors should also take the opportunity to discover the great fishing in the area. The Royal Hunt Museum – Elk Hill has taken over management of Hunneberg’s fishing waters, consisting of lakes stocked with rainbow trout, and nature guide Ola
Riikka Haapasaari, Under a Glassy Sky.
Selin also recommends the waters with natural populations of perch and pike. “It should be easy to get outdoors,” he says. “Sitting in a small boat on a lake is peaceful – it shouldn’t be about what gear you are using. Here, you can get back to basics with a simple fishing rod and bait.” Other highlights include the beaver safari and guided canoe tour on Lake Eldmörjan. For those who want to try canoeing on their own, half-day and full-day rentals are available as well as mountain
bikes with several routes starting at the museum and following the mountain. The Royal Hunt Museum – Elk Hill is open all year round with plenty of activities throughout, including guided monthly hikes. Web: www.algensberg.com Facebook: kungajaktmuseetalgensberg