Swedish Design Museum squeezes latest exhibition into a backpack

The Swedish Design Museum To Go exhibition can be taken away inside a backpack that visitors can borrow for a week to explore the country with.

The Swedish Design Museum's latest exhibition consists of a backpack from bag brand Sandqvist filled with Swedish, design-led items that have been carefully chosen by local curators in the country, based on their favourite things to do.

Designed to work as a "true insiders' guide to Sweden", each object closely relates to various local experiences in Sweden, and comes with "personal tips" from the curator.

The takeaway design exhibit is available in four different versions designed for the south, west, north and east areas of the country.

Items included in the backpacks range from blankets and headphones to wood-carving sets and trainers. Other items, such as a towel, can lead the explorer to lake Källtorpssjön, which is located just 20 minutes from central Stockholm.

Examples of the curators' personal tips include enjoying a day in east Sweden by heading to Stockholm for "the perfect blend of recreation and culture", making use of cosmetics, textiles and technology.

In the country's southern region, they recommend visitors utilise the cup, lamp and safety technology included in the backpack to take advantage of the scenic views and urban culture in Malmö.

"Swedish design is made to be used, not to be put on a pedestal or locked behind glass, and we want our visitors to truly get a chance to experience this when coming to Sweden," said Jennie Skogsborn Missuna, CEO at Visit Sweden.

"The Swedish Design Museum is therefore not your typical museum, and the exhibition is a personal guide to both Swedish design items and the destinations, providing a tour of Swedish experiences, specifically chosen for the design interested visitor."

The online design museum was opened by travel organisation Visit Sweden in 2017. The online platform has no physical collection, with the aim of making Swedish design more accessible to people from all across the globe.

"Swedish design is made for the many, made to be used – and used again," said the company. "It breaks norms and challenges preconceptions. Moreover, it is shaped by its context, the beliefs and values of Swedish society."

The Swedish Design Museum To Go project was initiated in response to Visit Sweden's target group analysis from 2018, which showed that "blending in with the locals is one of the most interesting and rewarding experiences for people when travelling".

Those who wish to explore different parts of the country through the lens of Swedish design can book the backpacks online via the organisation's website.

The takeaway exhibition is then borrowed for a week, free of charge, and the visitor can use the items to explore the locals' recommended places.

In another Sweden-centric exhibition, curator Paola Bjäringer collated work by eight different, predominantly female or non-white designers in a bid to present "the opposite of what is commonly known as Swedish design".

The collection of colourful pieces were displayed during the London Design Fair as part of the exhibition Crossovers by digital gallery Adorno, and include strong feminists objects.

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