Nationalmuseum Explores the Rise of Beach Tourism in Art, 1870–Mid-20th Century

Nationalmuseum in Stockholm presents an exhibition this autumn that traces the transformation of the beach into a site of leisure, recreation, and pleasure, focusing on coastal and seaside tourism from 1870 to the mid-20th century. The show brings together over 200 paintings, photographs, advertising posters, and historical swimwear. Artists represented include Claude Monet, Anders Zorn, Peder Severin Krøyer, Sigrid Hjertén, Georgia O'Keeffe, and Robert Capa. In the late 19th century, seaside resorts emerged along coastlines, and swimming in the sea, beachgoing, and hotel stays became popular pastimes. These resorts also drew artists; Impressionists like Monet painted coastal landscapes and life. In France, Normandy saw rapid growth in seaside tourism, aided by new railway lines that made beaches easily accessible. The exhibition examines how the beach has been depicted in art and its broader cultural history.