In southern Sweden lies a private collection buried deep in a castle’s grounds, sheds and barns. Since 1987, the outdoor sculpture project has developed next to the Wanås castle, the private home of Charles and Marika Wachtmeister, and from early on they created the foundation that runs the outdoor exhibitions of contemporary art. A couple of years ago the collector couple handed the estate over to the next generation: Baltzar and Kristina Wachtmeister.

Using the sprawling castle estate as the backdrop to the exhibitions from the foundation’s collection, collector Marika Wachtmeister dedicated the space to exhibit sculptures and site-specific works from artists such as Dan Graham, Igshaan Adams, Jeppe Hein, Yoko Ono, Jenny Holzer and Ann Hamilton to name a few.

In addition to the permanent installations, the Wanås Foundation is also known world-wide for its atmospheric sound works by renowned sound artists such as Robert Wilson and Janet Cardiff. Currently, over seventy permanent artworks are installed on the estate, as well as in a spacious stable built in 1759 that has been converted into a gallery and hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

New to the foundation in 2017 is that a small exclusive eleven-room Nordic hotel, run by Kristina Wachtmeister, that offers guests from all over the world the possibility to enjoy the nature and collection around the clock.

The Wanås Foundation is featured in the Art Guide.