The University’s art collection contains a wide variety of artworks spanning several decades. Many of the country’s most renowned artists have contributed to the creation of a stimulating campus environment for students, staff and visitors.
Campus Umeå, Norra skenet, skulptur av Ernst Nordin.
ImageUlrika BergforsSince Umeå University’s founding in 1965, art has had a natural place in the design of the indoor and outdoor environments of its campuses. The art collection has been continuously expanded and represents a unique collection spanning several decades. Today, it consists of a large number of works in various artistic techniques.
The first permanent artwork, Berto Marklund’s sculpture Karyatid, was commissioned for Umeå University by Public Art Agency Sweden in 1967 for one of the entrances to the Natural Sciences Building. The large outdoor sculpture Norra skenet by Ernst Nordin, situated in the heart of the campus, has become one of the University’s most famous works of art, created in 1969–1970 after a national competition organised in connection with the design of the campus. Artist Lage Lindell created the long, colourful mural on the curved wall of Lindell Hall in 1970–1972, a work that is also one of his most significant. The wooden sculpture group Kängurun from 1980 by Torsten Renqvist has inspired debate and is now a meeting point for students in the Umeå University Library. One of the more recent works of art acquired is artist Fredrik Strid’s thought-provoking sculpture Blackbox, which was inaugurated in 2023 in the Biology Building.
The open campus area in Umeå offers opportunities for recreation and art appreciation.
ImageMattias PetterssonFor Umeå University’s 50th anniversary in 2015, a book was produced about some of the artworks, Konstvandring på Umeå universitet – en guide till konsten på campus (An art tour of Umeå University – a guide to the art on campus). The book can be ordered from Public Art Agency Sweden. Unfortunately, the digital version of the book is no longer available.
Most of the artworks on campus are commissioned by Public Art Agency Sweden and are owned and managed by the property owner Akademiska Hus. Those interested can search the collection and view some of the artworks on the Public Art Agency Sweden's website.