WHO’S DAGMAR?

The inspiration behind Villa Dagmar is a person within the owner family Dagmar Bergsten; a modern, worldly and curious individual, with a passion for travel, culture and social scenes.

Dagmar Bergsten was a woman who enjoyed the finer things in life. She often traveled abroad with her international friends, enjoying Mediterranean cuisine and taking in the work of artists that dominated Europe in the early 1900s. She was inspired by strong women like Karin Larsson, Sonia Delaunay, Helle Nice, Gertrude Stein, Hilma af Klint, Peggy Guggenheim and Kiki De Montparnasse – visionaries who stood for culture, intellect and modernity.

“With Villa Dagmar, Hotel Diplomat gets a sister rooted in the same distinguished hotel tradition. At the same time, it is a hotel that writes its own story with new ideas and concepts. We have created this space for insightful travellers who place high demands on quality and hospitality. For us, who grew up in this hotel family, it feels extra exciting to be able to now lay the foundation for a new institution in Stockholm. A vibrant and exclusive meeting place for both international travellers and Stockholmers – just as Dagmar would have wanted”, says Anna Cappelen, Chairman of the Board and co-owner of Hotel Diplomat and Villa Dagmar.

The name Villa Dagmar originated from Karl and Dagmar’s private residence in Båstad, a classic and elegant home surrounded by a beautiful rose garden. Villa Dagmar, then much like today, was an escape from the bustling city, an eclectic and cozy gathering place for friends and family during the 1920-30s. The villa was filled with fresh flowers and decorated with the extensive art collection that the couple acquired during long trips, through Europe but also Egypt. In their collection were works by old Flemish and Italian masters, as well as 18th and 19th century French furniture and sculptures. The residence was inspired by Villa D’este in Rome and by Villa San Michele in Capri, which was built by world-famous author Axel Munthe. Axel, who was Queen Victoria’s doctor and rumoured lover, lived at Nybrogatan 25 – 27, where Villa Dagmar is located today.

The founders of Villa Dagmar, the Malmström family, have been the successful owners of Hotel Diplomat since the 1960s. Their relentless pursuit of creating premium and memorable hotel experiences have put them in the forefront of Sweden’s hospitality business.

Villa Dagmar invites you to a vibrant and eclectic space, where history is seen in the details.

Image from Stockholm City Museum, photographer Siv Rahm, year 1962, www.stadsmuseet.stockholm.se.