Public art and galleries in Trosa – from the cross-stitch water tower to the river walk

Trosa Water Tower – ceramic mosaic as cross-stitch

High on the hill in Trosa, the municipal water tower rises as one of the town’s most unexpected landmarks. Against the pale, ribbed concrete cylinder climbs a large floral motif in red, pink, and green—built from square ceramic tiles that from a distance look like classic cross-stitch embroidery on coarse linen.

Created by artist Ulrika Erdes, the work bridges large-scale civic engineering with the traditional textile crafts found for generations in Sörmland homes and archipelago cottages. Walking up to the water tower rewards you with both a close-up view of the mosaic tilework and a pleasant stroll through the residential hills above the town centre.

Sculptures at Trosaporten, Rådstugutorget and the river

Down at the town entrance and into the historic centre, the art walk continues with several outdoor sculptures. By Trosaporten, Kerstin Hörnlund’s work Tecken (Signs) greets visitors arriving along the main road. On Rådstugutorget, right beside the red-painted old town hall with its clock tower and the tourist centre, Sven Lundqvist’s sculpture Fiskarflickan (The Fisherman’s Girl) recalls the era when fishing and archipelago trade sustained the entire town.

Following the Trosaån river between the market squares and the harbour, you also pass Göran Strååt’s expressive sculpture Skallgång. Combined with the historic wooden houses along Västra and Östra Ågatan, weeping birches by the water, and wooden boats moored along the quay, the sculptures form a cohesive walking route that works just as well on a crisp autumn or winter afternoon as in high summer.

Studios, galleries and art fairs

Several active galleries and studios operate around the river and main streets. At Västra Ågatan 18, right on the river walk, Anns Ateljé showcases paintings and exhibitions inside a classic riverside building. At Västra Långgatan 34 you will find GAlleriet with local crafts and visual art, while down towards the harbour at Skärgårdsvägen 11, Galleri Nordostpassagen occupies the former fire station.

Throughout the year, Trosabygdens konstförening organises exhibitions at venues including Garvaregården and Skärborgarnas hus. In mid-November, the annual Trosa Art and Craft Fair takes place at Skärborgarnas hus on Smäckbrogatan 25, bringing together local painters, ceramicists, and artisans for a free-admission weekend.