Antique style with modern function
The house at Hamngatan 4 in Stockholm was completed in 1898 and was one of the most expensive private homes in Sweden around the turn of the century in 1900. The palace comprises 40 rooms spread over five floors. Architect Isak Gustaf Clason was partly given a free hand by the couple in the creation of the house, whose outside and inside both represent historical styles. For example, the facade is inspired by Spanish and Italian Renaissance buildings and the grand decor is a mix of 17th and 18th centuries. The house, despite its ancient exterior, was modern for its time. Features like central heating, central vacuum cleaner, electric lift and bathroom made the building unique.
The catalog
Wilhelmina Hallwyl spent all her time preserving and categorizing her home and preparing it so that after the couple's death, it would be opened as a museum. Just everything was catalogued, big and small pieces, from valuable collectibles such as paintings, antique furniture and porcelain to more trivial everyday items such as toilet paper, pens and desk chairs.
Collector & eccentric
Countess Hallwyl was one of Sweden's largest collectors of arts and crafts at the turn of the 19th century. At that time, collecting was a common interest but was seen with different eyes for men and women. Men's collecting was seen as a serious and sincere interest, while women's collections were more viewed as luxury consumption. It was understood that Wilhelmina must have been someone eccentric who broke norms in several ways. As the founder of her own museum and also as a collector of objects seen as typical for men. In addition to porcelain and art, Wilhelmina also collects antique armor and weapons. And it was not by chance. In her annual notes, she had shared her thoughts and views on women's rights, and you understand that Wilhelmina deliberately ignored expectations.
Visit the museum
The museum, located at Hamngatan 4 in Stockholm, is well worth a visit. Not only to admire the impressive collection and catalogue – comprising 78 volumes and a total of 50,000 to 60,000 objects – but perhaps even more so to gain insight into upper-class life in Stockholm around the turn of the century. And of course, to experience the grandeur of the palace and its interiors.