The Rooseum Center for Contemporary Art was a prominent institution in Malmö, Sweden, dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art. Established in 1988 by Swedish art collector and financier Fredrik Roos (1951-1991), the Rooseum began as a traditional exhibition space highlighting art from Nordic countries and around the world. Under the leadership of its first director, Lars Nittve, it gained international acclaim. In 2000, Charles Esche’s directorship introduced more experimental approaches, fostering dynamic interactions between art, artists, and audiences through exhibitions, seminars, discussions, and screenings. This period positioned the Rooseum as a central hub for debates on ‘New institutionalism’ in art. Housed in a former power station built in 1900 at Gasverksgatan 22, the Rooseum operated until its closure in 2006.
Following the Rooseum’s closure, the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm (Moderna Museet) opened a satellite location, Moderna Museet Malmö, in the same premises in 2009. This museum continues to exhibit both its collection and temporary contemporary art exhibitions.