Unveiling of an Ingrid Bergman bronze bust at Filmhuset

On Tuesday, 3 March 2026, the Swedish Film Institute will host a commemorative reception at Filmhuset to celebrate the unveiling of a bronze bust of Ingrid Bergman, created by the internationally acclaimed sculptor Gudmar Olovson. Bergman herself modeled for Olovson in Paris in 1964, resulting in this astounding portrait in bronze. The sculpture has been generously donated to the Swedish Film Institute by the Allan and Bo Hjelt Art Foundation and will be installed in the foyer of Filmhuset for visitors to appreciate.

When: Tuesday 3 March 2026, 15.00–17.00 (approx.)

Where: Filmhuset foyer and Bio Victor, Borgvägen 1–3, Stockholm

Born in Stockholm in 1915, Ingrid Bergman was one of cinema’s most beloved and influential actresses. Bergman became an international star in Swedish, American, Italian and French films and is still today the only Swedish actor to receive three Oscars.

Before gaining global recognition and an extensive film career in Hollywood, she starred in Swedish films such as The Count of the Old Town(1935) and Intermezzo (1936). Bergman’s perhaps most notorious role was her performance as Ilsa Lund in Casablanca (1942) directed by Michael Kurtiz. She was also directed in unforgettable films by Alfred Hitchcock, Roberto Rosselini, Ingmar Bergman, Victor Fleming, Jean Renoir, etc. Ingrid Bergman passed away in 1982.

A period of 25 years passed where Bergman did not speak Swedish in any films, and it wasn’t until Gustaf Molander cast her for the lead role in The Necklace (Smycket, 1964) that the audience would hear her speak in her native language again. Inspired by Guy de Maupassant’s short story The Necklace (1884), Molander’s film will be screened alongside two short-films as part of the reception - all of which have been digitally restored by the Swedish Film Institute. Furthermore, the dress worn by Ingrid Bergman in The Count of the Old Town will be presented.

Gudmar Olovson (1936-2017) artistic endeavours began at the Royal Academy of Arts in Stockholm before moving to Paris where he resided and worked from 1959 and onwards, where he collaborated with Jean Carton, among others. Working in the French classical tradition, Olovson sculpted numerous portraits of notable models such as Georges Pompidou, Charles de Gaulle, HRH Carl XVI Gustaf King of Sweden, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, Pope John Paul II. Olovson’s work is commemorated for its elegance and realistic presence, and his sculptures are held in both private and public institutions throughout Europe, America and Asia. In 2011 the French Minister of Culture awarded Olovson with L’ordre des Arts et des Lettres.

The reception will take place in the foyer of Filmhuset and Bio Victor in presence of the Swedish Film Institute’s CEO, Anna Croneman and the donor, Bo Hjelt. After the reception, guests are invited to Bio Victor for a screening of short films featuring Ingrid Bergman, including the rarely shown The Necklace and two short documentaries With Ingrid Bergman at Berns (1953) and A Brief Encounter with the Rossellini Family (1953).

If you wish to cover the event, contact Jan Göransson.

For inquiries regarding the screening material contact Kajsa Hedström kajsa.hedstrom@filminstitutet.se

Promoted Swedish classic films: Promoted Films - SFdb