Design Exhibition Souvenir from Malmo's Southern Sweden Design Days 2025
Every year, Malmö, Sweden's third-largest city, transforms into a creative hub during the Southern Sweden Design Days. This four-day design festival, held in May, engages both locals and visitors in a celebration of ingenuity and innovation.
Unlike the more internationally recognized design cities of Copenhagen and Stockholm, Malmö opts for a more decentralized and collaborative approach. The festival activates various venues across the city, including studios, galleries, and the main hub at Matverkstaden in Lokstallarna.
Malmö's design community is ever-evolving, though it lacks a design school. The Form/Design Center, a non-profit institution in the city's historic district, plays a pivotal role in organizing the festival, which began in 2021.
The atmosphere at Southern Sweden Design Days is noticeably different from larger events like Copenhagen's 3 Days of Design. While the scale and polish may be absent, the festival offers a more student-inclusive and intimate experience, providing an opportunity to discover emerging talent.
Highlights of Southern Sweden Design Days 2025
Going Pro
'Going Pro,' held at the industrial festival hub venue, Lokstallarna, showcased the work of ten designers from Form/Design Center's business development program. From fashion and furniture to textile design and lighting, the diverse mix included standout pieces such as My Comét's decorative metal furniture and Eva Ericsson's vibrant, folk art-inspired textiles.
Jenny Nordberg
Swedish contemporary designer Jenny Nordberg opened her Malmö studio during the festival, offering visitors a close-up look at her innovative work. Hanging from the ceiling were her pewter-covered cube and oversized Murano glass candle holder, among others. The studio also hosted events like sound baths and communal meals.
Weave!
Located in a converted 1950s petrol station, the micro exhibition 'Weave!' displayed tapestry work from MalmöVÄV, a local weaving cooperative. From experimental straw work to porcelain "woven" pieces, the show offered a curated selection of colorful and creative textiles.
BISe x SSDD
Designs by several artists decorated BISe, a restaurant known for its design-forward approach. Colourful pendant lamps with 'You are here' stickers hung above tables, while Amanda Monceau's soft toy-like morning star and Olof Janson's delicate vases graced the interior. Emily Thornton's vibrant, tufted wall hanging brought a dynamic touch to the entrance.
Väntrum
Curated by designers My Comét and Stina Henriksson, 'Väntrum' showcased 31 contemporary designers' collectible furniture and decor pieces. The small but mighty exhibition, which invited visitors to interact, was a highlight of the festival.
Eagerly Awaiting the Storm by Nåme
Nåme's project, a rainwater collection system disguised as a public design installation, addressed the issue of stormwater flooding in public spaces. The colorful basins featured sculptural objects attached by chains, representing personal belongings at risk during floods.
Hook Me Up
Inviting designers to create hooks in various forms, 'Hook Me Up' was another engaging show during the festival. Accompanying the hooks was a participatory noticeboard where professionals could connect and collaborate.
Despite being somewhat nascent compared to Stockholm and Copenhagen, Malmö's design scene offers a unique and vibrant counterpart to its northern neighbors. With a growing platform for Southern Sweden's design talent, the city is primed to catalyze its potential.
During the Southern Sweden Design Days 2025, visitors had the opportunity to explore studios and galleries, experiencing the city's home-and-garden and lifestyle design offerings. Jenny Nordberg's studio, for instance, showcased innovative pewter-covered furniture and Murano glass candle holders.
The festival also featured the micro exhibition 'Weave!', showcasing creative tapestry work from MalmöVÄV, a local weaving cooperative, reflecting the importance of home-and-garden design in Malmö's thriving design community.
