The Feb. 14 opening of the Museum of Modern Art in Stockholm highlights the Swedish city's year-long calendar of events celebrating its designation as Europe's Cultural Capital for 1998.

Beyond the walls of the museum, works by 100 contemporary artists will be placed throughout the city in an exhibition called Archipelago. Nearly 750 photos by 200 photographers will be displayed on billboards and on subway station walls, so it takes only a $2 ticket to see the Under/Exposed exhibit.

Music and dance events include the debuts of two operas as part of the 100th anniversary celebration of the Royal Opera, tours by international ballet companies such as the Bolshoi and concert programs featuring classical Swedish composers.

Sweden's reputation for fine design won't be neglected. The National Museum will display Orrefors glassworks, marking the company's centennial.

But Cultural Capital celebrations will place more emphasis on introducing Sweden's new artistic talent to the world.

For example, city workers in public and tourism jobs - from metro ticket clerks to postal workers - will wear special new jewelry created by young artists.

In May, Artgenda, a program at the Stockholm Cultural Center featuring artists and performers from 16 cities around the Baltic region, will present new art, music, theater, dance and graphic design works.

Cultural Capital information is available on the Internet at www.stockholm98.se. For travel information on Sweden and other Scandinavian countries, call 212-885-9700.

By Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY

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