NOW SHOWING:
The Wise and the Foolish Virgins
This summer the museum is showing The Wise and the Foolish Virgins
– Georges von Swetlik’s most significant theme.
In collaboration with Riggert Munsterhjelm from Munsterhjelm Art Center, we have selected, restored and framed a selection of works – several of which have never before been shown to the public. The framing was carried out with support from Héléne and Walter Grönqvist Foundation.
The highlight is a large underpainting (approx. 2.5 x 3.5 meters) that Georges painted in the early 1970s, when he lived in Elgmo School. The painting depicts women gathering around the glow of oil lamps – a motif that, through its unfinished state, provides a unique insight into George’s technique and working method. The work has been rolled up since the 1970s and is now finally getting its place on the largest wall of the studio.
When Georges was looking for a theme for a larger figure composition, he chose the biblical parable of the wise and the foolish virgins. The motif became central to his entire artistic career – where he could express what he mastered best: light in the darkness.
– Georges von Swetlik
NEW THIS YEAR!
The Pillar Room
This year we have opened the Pillar Room to the public, one of von Swetlik’s most fascinating visions has taken shape in a room with pillars and arches. Here, a selection of artworks are displayed that represent several themes from von Swetlik’s artistic career and give visitors a deeper insight into the artist’s versatility.
In the Pillar Room, you can experience self-portraits and abstract motifs, among other things. Part of the room also serves as Ateljé von Swetlik’s painting storage, which at the same time reflects the challenges of the house – von Swetlik was a very productive artist, but perhaps did not always take the practical aspects of everyday life into account.
THEMATIC EXHIBITION 2026
The artist’s last painting
Georges von Swetlik and Don Quixote – the battle against the windmills in the Raseborg castle ruins
Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes and published in two parts in 1605 and 1615, tells the story of the aging nobleman Alonso Quijano, who allows himself to be absorbed in the world of chivalric romances. He takes the name Don Quixote and sets out to revive a bygone era of chivalry, determined to fight for honor, justice and ideals in a world that has long since changed.
In the ruins of Raseborg Castle, you have the opportunity to visit von Swetlik’s last painting, which is on display from 1 July to 15 August. Parallels to von Swetlik’s own life can be seen in the dream of something great and elusive, as well as in the battle against the windmills. Von Swetlik was never accepted in the art world, but continued his fight to realize his visions right up until his death.
The theme also creates a parallel to Raseborg Castle, which is 650 years old. The castle ruins stand as a monument to a bygone era. Just as Don Quixote tries to revive the spirit of the knightly world, the castle ruins bear the memory of a time whose stories continue to fascinate. In the meeting between Don Quixote, von Swetlik and the castle ruins of Raseborg, a dialogue arises between literature, image and place that expresses the longing for the past.
In the painting by Georges von Swetlik, it is possible to guess that the artist may have identified with Don Quixote and let the figure take on the features of a self-portrait, an expression of the artist’s own struggle between vision and reality. Like Don Quixote, the artist may have felt driven by the power of creation and imagination in a world that did not always share these dreams. The painting was not completely finished because the artist died in the middle of the process.
Information
Summer 2026 3.7-9.8
OPEN:
Friday – Saturday: 12:00-17:00 (Guided tour 13:00 in Swedish)
Sunday: 13:00-15:00 (Guided tour 13:00 in Finnish)
PRICES:
Guided tour and entrance…:
15€ / person
….with coffee/tea and biscuits:
20€ / person
Free admission for all visitors under 18 years of age.
Admission includes guided tours according to the day’s guided tour schedule.
There are paintings related to the theme for sale (we are providing works, not selling from the studio’s collection)!
Also read more about the event Light in the Dark, which can only be taken part in the autumn.
Then you can experience the same exhibition, The Wise and Foolish Virgins, in a completely different and unique way.
VISIT AT THE SAME TIME:
Munsterhjelm Art Center
Just a few kilometers from Ateljé von Swetlik is also the Munsterhjelm Art Center, where the artist Riggert Munsterhjelm still works and creates today. Riggert was Georges von Swetlik’s student and worked closely with his mentor for many years, both artistically and personally. Through him, parts of von Swetlik’s technique, world of thought and artistic legacy live on into the present.
A visit to the studio can therefore be advantageously combined with a visit to the Munsterhjelm Art Center to experience how an artistic legacy continues to develop and live on through new works and generations.
Admission to the Munsterhejlm Art Center: €10 / person
Recovered treasures
Old exhibition, summer 2024
Tenala Church, which Georges painted in different lighting during different seasons when he lived in the Little Rectory next to the church in the 1970s.
