This summer you had a chance to catch your Pokémon in a magnificent setting of Pilane Sculpture Park on a remote archipelago in western Sweden. Judging by the surroundings you were also likely to catch Thor, Odin or other Gods from Nordic myths and Scandinavian folklore. Next summer, if you are in the area don’t miss you chance to visit the site that some 3000 years ago was a Bronze Age settlement and now houses impressive exhibitions of contemporary sculptures.
The first seasonal outdoor exhibition "Skulptur i Pilane" (Sculpture in Pilane) took place in 2006. For the past 10 years more than half a million people visited the park, gazed at the beautiful views of the North Sea and enjoyed sculptures and site-specific artworks by prominent Scandinavian and international artists. Juxtaposition of contemporary art and 10 000 year old prehistoric natural landscape can at first seem too racy. But this unlikely combination actually underlines the beauty of both the environment and the artworks. Walking through 20 acres of rolling hills you can pet friendly sheep and feel the energy of a great civilization that was around Pilane some 2000 – 3000 years ago, whiteness to the period are ancient burial markers with about 90 visible graves dating 500 BC to 1000 AD that you can visit right there in the Park.
Dramatic natural and historic setting adds up to the experience. Pilane is mesmerizing when it’s raining, but we strongly suggest picking a dry day for your visit, since there is virtually no space to hide from the rain. But even on dry sunny days better wear comfortable shoes. First of all the Park can get muddy and though the animal farm is a great advantage (especially for kids), but even on the well-organized tracks beware of sheep droppings! Talking about the tracks – the Park is perfect for anyone who likes promenades (and sometimes climbing up hills) it is perfect for walking your dog (if he/she is an art-lover and prepared to see art on a leash), but not so good for baby strollers and wheelchairs. We would not suggest talking the little ones that have to be carried, since you must really walk a lot. However it is really worth it. It takes around 2 hours to uncover the works, scattered through the park and get to the beautiful views.
For an even better experience bring your own picnic basket! Where else would you have a chance to grab a bite sitting on stones that have seen the Vikings? Or visit an authentic Swedish farm environment Pilane Gårdskafé that offers homemade coffee, traditional matpaj pie, sandwiches and snacks as well as freshly baked cardamon buns, creamy chocolate cake and fresh lemon pie. In a nearby shop you can buy Danish pottery, local teas, soft sheepskin products and various souvenirs. The café and shop are about 800 meters south from the exhibition area, but if you want to take your car, you can park in the yard. There are plenty parking spaces all around the entrance.
Pilane’s 2016 summer highlights included the 14-meter women's head ANNA by Spanish artist Jaume Plensa that came by boat from Barcelona, site-specific Chinese Horse, Greek Horse by British/American artist William Tucker, HOOP-LA by American artist Alice Aycock, works by Swedish artists Helena Mutanen, Maria Miesenberger and Martin Sjöberg and many others. We cannot wait to see what sculptures will Pilane present next year so we are marking our calendars for summer 2017. Maybe right after visiting Skansen Open-Air museum and seeing King Carl XVI Gustav and Queen celebrating the National Day of Sweden we will head Southwest to Tjorn Island to BREATHE, relax, meditate and enjoy some great works of art.
