This tour is currently sold out.
The ICAA is pleased to partner with Classical Excursions to present this week-long excursion to discover the beautiful and unique Gustavian style of architecture and decoration in Sweden.
This tour is arranged by Classical Excursions. Please note, that you must contact Classical Excursions’ Director, Lani Summerville to formally register for this program. Upon completing a registration form, submitting a deposit to Classical Excursions, and receiving a confirmation from Classical Excursions you will be considered registered for this program. Payment of the $600 donation to the ICAA prior to registration does not guarantee placement on the trip. To inquire about registration for this program, please contact Lani Summerville at [email protected] or 413-446-8728.
A fully tax-deductible donation of $600 per person is required to participate in this travel program. Please note that this donation is non-refundable except in the case that this travel program is cancelled by the organization. All travel program participants have the opportunity to receive a complimentary Individual level membership for one year to the ICAA.
Royal Palace
The trip begins with a private, before-hours tour of the Royal Palace designed in 1690 by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, and carried out by Carl Hårleman well into the mid-18th century. This palace is the largest royal residence in Europe, with 618 rooms decorated in Baroque, Rococo, and Gustavian styles.
Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities
The group will tour Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities, which houses his personal collection of Italian sculpture that he brought back from his very own Grand Tour in the late 1700s.
Drottningholm Palace
The trip includes a private tour of Drottningholm Palace, Court Theatre, and the Chinese Pavilion. The Court Theatre is considered to be one of the best preserved 18th century theaters in the world, still featuring the original sets and operating machinery.
Svindersvik Manor
Svindersvik Manor is one of the best preserved early Gustavian houses in Sweden, designed by Court architect Carl Hårleman in 1740. The manor house is prominently placed overlooking the Saltsjön Sea east of Stockholm.
Elghammar
Participants will enjoy a visit to the Palladian estate Elghammar, hosted by the owner Duke Charles D’Otrante. The Estate contains all of its original Russian Empire and late Gustavian furnishings. This grand home was designed by the Court Architect of Catherine the Great, Giacomo Quarenghi.
Olivehult
Participants will enjoy a visit and brunch with the owners at the private 17th century Olivehult manor house, complete with original 17th and 18th century interiors.
Gunnebo
Participants will experience a private tour of Gunnebo, a stunning neoclassical masterpiece in Gothenburg.
Tessin Palace
Participants will tour Tessin Palace and its French parterre garden. The palace was constructed as the home of royal court architect Nicodemus Tessin, and is now used as the official residence of the governor of Stockholm. The interiors are considered to be the best-preserved examples of 17th century French interiors in the world.
Gustav III’s Pavilion at Haga Park
Participants will enjoy a private visit to Gustav III’s Pavilion at Haga.
Sturehof
Included is lunch at Sturehof manor house, followed by a tour of this home of Baron Johan Liljencrantz, Minister of Finance under Gustav III. The Baron, was one of the largest landowners in the area and was part–owner of the famous Marieberg porcelain tiled- stove factory.
Roserberg Palace
Roserberg Palace is considered be one of Sweden's best-preserved examples of Neoclassical design. Remodeled by Nicodemus Tessin the younger in the 1680s in the latest French style, the palace became the Crown Prince’s property in 1757 and was later redecorated with new interiors by Jean Eric Rehn in the 1770s. Almost no alterations have been made to these late 18th century interiors.
Rosendal
Included is a private tour of Rosendal, which was purchased by Prince Karl Johan a year prior to ascending the throne.
Leufsta Bruk
The group will enjoy a day-long excursion to Leufsta Bruk, an ironworks village to the north with renowned preservationist Lars Sjoberg as our guide. Mr. Sjoberg will give us a tour the interiors of the main mansion designed by Jean Eric Rehn during the height of the Gustavian era, followed by a visit to his own restoration project “Brukskontoret”, which is filled with a fine collection of Gustavian antiques.
Stora Wasby
Participants will enjoy a tour to the privately-owned manor house Stora Wasby, attributed to court architect Jean Eric-Rehn or Carl Hårleman circa 1750. Known for its fine classical elements, it features a low saddleback roof and a richly articulated facade.
Gripsholm Castle
Gripsholm Castle was Gustav III's residence during the fall and winter months. Here the royal court gathered in a fashion similar to his French counterparts at the royal chateau at Fontainebleau. Gripsholm is a fortress-like structure, which the king transformed into a Gustavian showplace.
Thureholm Castle
The tour includes a stop at Thureholm Castle, privately owned by Eva and Christer Bonde. Joining us for this exclusive tour is Dr. Johan Cederlund, who has written several publications on Thureholm. Dr. Cederlund will guide us through this magnificent building designed by renowned architect Carl Hårleman in 1730.
Tullgarn Palace
Tullgarn Palace was purchased in 1772 by Gustav III’s younger brother Prince Fredrick Adolf. The prince was a talented artist and honorary member of the Swedish Academy of Arts. His travels in Rome, Herculaneum and Pompeii can be seen as a great inspiration in the interiors at Tullgarn, which we will visit. Here you will witness some of Jean-Baptist and Louis Masreliez’s finest interior work.
Övedskloster
The tour concludes with a farewell dinner at Övedskloster, one of the greatest privately-owned manor houses from the Gustavian era. It was designed by the royal court architect Carl Hårleman and built in 1769.
Drottningholm Palace (image: wikimedia / Nick Juhasz)
Image: Drottningholm Palace
Sturehov (image: wikimedia / Holger Ellgaard)
Slott Sturehov (image: wikimedia / Holger Ellgaard)
If you would like to register, you may contact the travel operator organizing the program. Please note that a $600 donation per person to the ICAA is required in order to participate in each travel program.
Your $600 donation helps to further the ICAA’s goal of advancing the practice and appreciation of the classical tradition in architecture and the allied arts by supporting its varied educational programs, including continuing education courses, college workshops, the Summer Studio in Classical Architecture, New Heights, and many more.
Yes, a donation of $600 to the ICAA is required for each travel program you register for. The donation is required for each person attending a tour.
You can make your $600 donation to the ICAA online, or you can download, complete, and mail this form to the ICAA. You can alternatively fax a copy to 212-730-9649. You may also call 212-730-9646 x109 or email [email protected] to make a donation. Donations must be made separately from the registration fee.
No, membership is not required to attend an ICAA travel program. However, complimentary Individual membership to the ICAA is included with your $500 required donation.
For full itinerary and more information, contact [email protected], 413-446-8728. Due to the exclusive nature of our tours, some private locations or visits may be omitted from the ICAA's website.
Over the past several years, the ICAA has travelled to destinations including Paris; Andalusia; Atlanta; Barbados; South Africa; Chicago; the Netherlands and Belgium; Scotland; the French Riviera; Morocco; the Italian Lake Region; Charlottesville; Naples; and New Delhi, among many other locations. The ICAA is always looking to diversify its travel offerings. If you have a suggestion or location you would like to see added, please email [email protected].