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