Marabouparken, Cultural park in Sundbyberg, Sweden.
Marabouparken is a sculpture park in Sundbyberg with a lawn sloping toward a low, dark-roofed building partly hidden behind a large weeping tree. A rounded bed of pink and magenta flowers sits in the foreground, and a stone edging borders a dark water surface. The park holds 16 sculptures by Swedish and international artists, and since 2010 an art hall occupies the former cocoa laboratory.
The park was originally the garden of Sundbybergs gård, a manor built in 1785 with wings added in 1788. Marabou bought the estate in 1936 for 50,000 kronor and demolished the dilapidated house; the cocoa laboratory by Artur von Schmalensee was built on its site in 1943. Landscape architects Sven Hermelin and Inger Wedborn redesigned the grounds between 1937 and 1955, and the city bought the park in 2006.
The art hall opened on 28 August 2010 in the former cocoa laboratory, a building designed by architect Arthur von Schmalensee in 1943 on the site of the demolished Sundbybergs gård. Run by a foundation active in Sundbyberg since 2005, it shows Swedish and international contemporary artists to local and international audiences. A restaurant adjoins the gallery.
The grounds are easily accessible on foot and welcoming for visitors of all ages. There are rest areas, a children's playground, and a restaurant for meals and refreshments.
In February 2009 Marabouparken placed second in a contest for Europe's most beautiful park run by lawnmower engine maker Briggs & Stratton; Aaseepark in Münster took first place. The Swedish title of 2008 was decided by a jury of experts and members of the public.
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