Thank you, David Neuman!
David Neuman, the founder of Magasin III Museum for Contemporary Art, is leaving our museum in conjunction with his retirement from the institution.
When Magasin III opened its doors in 1987, David, together with Robert Weil, created something that had long been missing in Sweden, an advanced freestanding private exhibiting institution. Over the following years, Magasin III has grown into an outstanding and truly unique museum for contemporary art under David’s leadership. David had not only expanded Stockholm’s art scene but also helped put Sweden on the international map.
The first exhibition Five American Artists marked the beginning of Magasin III’s journey – initially as a smaller, alternative artspace that showcased experimental art. The museum’s approach was unique. Invited artists were encouraged to develop and experiment with their work at Magasin III. Many of the resulting pieces have become part of the Magasin III’s collection, which remains central to its work today.
The name Magasin III points to the building in Stockholm’s former Free Port, but activities have also taken place at other locations. Through affiliated curators, a strong commitment to Stockholm University’s curator program, and the artspace Accelerator, Magasin III has inspired and made an impact far beyond its walls. With the latest addition of an artspace in Jaffa, the museum’s dialogue with the international community has deepened further. Throughout the years, David has charted his own course, always keeping art at the center, and has nurtured a generation of individuals who continue to advance art and culture in Sweden and internationally.
An exhibition that has left a particularly strong impression on me is Baselitz + Hill (1995) – a meeting between German artist Georg Baselitz and our Swedish Carl Fredrik Hill, whose work inspired Baselitz. I also have vivid memories of Chris Burden (1999), a sculpture exhibition that included, among other works, four breathtaking bridges produced particularly for Magasin III. The nearly three-meter-high and five-meter-long The Mexican Bridge, made from 35,000 Meccano pieces, is now part of the museum’s collection.
As David retires from our institution, I am proud to assume responsibility for Magasin III, together with its essential team, on behalf of the family.
Thank you, David, for your remarkable work – it has been a privilege to grow up alongside you and Magasin III.
Sandra Weil
FROM OUR COLLECTION
Accelerator presents Gravity, Be My Friend by Pipilotti Rist
September 13, 2025 – February 8, 2026
Curator: Richard Julin
On September 13, Accelerator at Stockholm University opens a new exhibition featuring a central piece from Magasin III’s collection – Gravity, Be My Friend by Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist.
Widely recognized as one of the most influential artists of our time, Rist is associated with her colorful and dreamlike video installations. Her work often explores the body, our human senses, rituals, and taboos – in ways that are both playful and poetic. Gravity, Be My Friend is a large-scale audiovisual installation that will fill an entire gallery at Accelerator.
The title work was originally created for Magasin III Museum for Contemporary Art, where Rist’s first solo exhibition in Scandinavia was held in 2007. It is now part of the museum’s collection. Accelerator’s exhibition program is supported by Magasin III and the Robert Weil Family Foundation.
Magasin III Museum for Contemporary Art (Stockholm) has for the moment ceased its public exhibition program. Founded in 1987, Magasin III has served as a platform for the most compelling contemporary art by nationally and internationally renowned artists. Since its inception, the museum has offered artists the opportunity to create new works, known as Magasin III Productions. Over the years, and in tandem with our exhibition program, an extensive collection has developed. The institution has also produced numerous publications and hosted a wide range of programs connected to its exhibitions. On our Play page, you can explore recorded materials from past talks, lectures, and other events.
Magasin III is now entering a new phase dedicated to analyzing and evolving its distinctive collection. Please view our homepage for updates on current loans of works from our collection to institutions worldwide, as well as access to our archive, which documents the institution’s history. For further questions, please contact our head office.
Image: Tal R, Natten (The Night), 2019 (detail). Collection Magasin III.