Opening day

The sun was shining upon Wenngarn at opening day, 1st of June 2014. We replaced the signs, took off our work clothes and so commenced Wenngarnssommar (summer of Wenngarn). With a little help from leading municipal and civic figures we handed out treasure maps and let visitors stroll around and familiarize themselves with the estates. The 5000 visitors along with cars, balloons and a samba orchestra made for a delightful setting. It was truly an opening worthy of Wenngarn and Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie.

To finish off such an intense project with a festival was amazing and we now have great expectations for the future. We ran out of food and beverages, the parking spots as well, but everyone was in a good mood and high spirits.

Princess Christina and Lady Magnusson opened the art exhibition for Sigtuna Museum along with councillor Lars Bryntesson. In her opening speech she told of her optimistic and positive expectations from the inspiring, hopeful and exciting exhibition that had summarised the castles historical life in this up-to-date presentation.

SUMMER EXHIBITION 361 The Museum of Sigtuna’s art- and historical exhibition that is shown during Wenngarnssommar (summer of Wenngarn) recounts the 361 years of baroque-era, love, exoticism and periphery from Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie up till present time. The Museum of Sigtuna and Konsthall Märsta presents a journey through the ages, cultural heritage and architectural history. It starts off in 1653 when De la Gardie and princess Maria Eufrosyne took over at Wenngarn together with the head-architect Jean De la Vallée. The latter rebuilt the castle into the baroque-style type that we know today.

The journey takes us through different eras of history, different cultural layers, all of which are very distinctly tangible at Wenngarn. The participating artists of the exhibition are Yinka Shonibare, Bo Ahlström, Torsten Jurell, Katja Pettersson, The Raketa Group and August Sörensson.

WHAT IS WENNGARNSSOMMAR Wenngarn is a delightful place to be, especially in summer time. Wenngarnssommar is a concept, as well as an event, that we have created together with neighbouring organisations where we invite everyone to participate in exciting activities and to acquaint themselves with the wonderful surroundings. The idea is that there should always be things to do at Wenngarn - always a reason to come here, even if only for a stroll in the gardens. Delicious food and drink, fun experimental activities such as out-door cinema at the castle terrace and live music in the restaurant. In order to grasp all that Wenngarn has to offer you really need to make a visit. When you do come around we are confident that you will find your own personal Wenngarn. We aim at creating a broad range of activities and work that together with the environment will generate a sense of wholeness. Wenngarn will be a place to live, work or just visit for the great food and conference utilities. Through the concept of Wenngarnssommar we have opened a window to the future.

The Nature & Culture Foundation of Wenngarn, in co-operation whith Sigtuna Märsta Gymnastikklubb and Arlanda IBK Griffins, hosts an out-door cinema that is shown every Friday and Sunday - and at other suitable events. At the opening the 1st of June we premiered with the classic Travolta film “Grease”.

THE YOUTH BRINGS LIFE TO WENNGARN Wenngarn is an amazing place in itself, but what really creates a living atmosphere to the area is all the visitors – especially all the youngsters. We arrange a community youth centre, festivals for the children, out-door cinemas and spooky ghost-tours in the summertime. We create playgrounds, treasure hunts and plays – through our many child-friendly activities we hope that Wenngarn in the future will become a place where children can enjoy themselves and learn about our common history in an exciting way.

We welcome all to Wenngarn, but children are particularly welcome!

Wenngarn - a place for everyone