Grünewald Villa Saltsjöbaden

The Grünewald Villa in Saltsjöbaden is a historic building from 1893. Beautifully located, facing the sea, it was once the residence of the artist Isaac Grünewald, often referred to as Sweden’s Picasso. He lived here from 1930 with his wife, the painter Sigrid Hjertén and their son Iván. Grünewald was known for his colourful expressive paintings, often blending elements of Cubism, Impressionism and Expressionism. His works frequently depicted landscapes and portraits, especially the faces showcasing a distinct emotional depth. He studied art in Stockholm from 1905 until 1908, followed by three years at Henry Matisse’s painting Academy in Paris. After his first exhibition 1909, 200 more exhibitions followed until his tragical death in a plane crash in Oslo in 1946. He was even known as a caricaturist, writer and public speaker, often addressing antisemitism which he self experienced being born as a son to a Jewish entrepreneur in Stockholm 1886. In his later years, he even became famous as a stage creator at the Royal Opera in Stockholm and other Swedish theatres. The villa today often serves as a museum and a cultural venue, celebrating Grűnewalds legacy.