Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge

A canal bridge turned open-air gallery

Davidshallsbron spans Södra Förstadskanalen just south of Malmö’s historic core, a modest city bridge that would be easy to overlook were it not for the bronze footwear lining its railings. Over the gently moving canal, rows of shoes appear to have been abandoned mid‑stride: high heels, trainers, boots and children’s shoes climbing the balustrades and perching on lampposts. At first glance it looks like a spontaneous prank, but linger a little and the installation resolves into a carefully choreographed artwork. Water, stone and metal combine here in a compact urban scene. On one side lie elegant turn‑of‑the‑century facades; on the other, leafy walks along the canal. Trams no longer rattle by and traffic is light, so the bridge feels surprisingly intimate for such a central spot. It is the kind of place where you naturally pause, lean on the railing and watch reflections fold and unfold on the canal below.

The story behind the scattered shoes

The artwork, titled "Way to Go", was created by Malmö artist Asa Maria Bengtsson as a tribute to the city’s creative community. Each bronze shoe was cast from an original pair belonging to a local figure in culture, fashion, media or the arts. Instead of heroic statues on plinths, this is a celebration of everyday traces: the footwear that quietly carries people through rehearsals, openings and late‑night writing sessions. By lifting the shoes above eye level and scattering them along the bridge, the artist invites you to look up and notice details you might otherwise miss. The work plays with the idea of movement and memory: whose steps have passed through this city, and what kind of paths do creative lives follow? Younger visitors tend to enjoy spotting tiny children’s shoes, while others are drawn to the more theatrical heels and boots that hint at bold personalities.

A moment of canal-side calm in central Malmö

Despite its central address, the atmosphere around Davidshallsbron can feel almost contemplative. Joggers trace the canal paths, cyclists glide across, and now and then a sightseeing boat slips beneath the arches. In spring and summer the trees along Södra Förstadskanalen soften the edges of the city, their leaves reflected in the water beneath the metal silhouettes of the shoes. Benches and low walls nearby make it easy to sit for a while, perhaps with a takeaway coffee from the streets just behind. The artwork rewards slow looking: walk from one end of the bridge to the other and you will notice how the shoes change in style and size, how some cluster in pairs while others seem to stride off alone. Early evening light, when the canal deepens to a darker green and the lampposts begin to glow, is particularly atmospheric.

Spotting details and framing the perfect shot

The scale of the installation makes it especially photogenic. You can frame close‑ups of single shoes against the soft blur of canal and sky, or step back to capture the entire bridge crowned with bronze silhouettes. Reflections in the water add another layer, and in winter a dusting of snow can transform the shoes into tiny, sculptural still lifes. Because the bridge is pedestrian‑friendly and flat, it is easy for most visitors to explore every angle. Children often enjoy turning it into a kind of treasure hunt, counting how many shoes they can find or searching for a favourite style. For those interested in public art, it is also a chance to see how Malmö integrates contemporary works into the everyday cityscape rather than reserving them for galleries alone.

Part of Malmö’s waterside walking landscape

Shoes on Davidshalls Bridge sits within a broader network of canalside promenades that once grew from defensive moats into green, recreational spaces. Following the water in either direction quickly connects you to other parks, squares and bridges, each with its own character. Yet this small crossing has a personality all its own, quietly playful and gently reflective. Whether you arrive purposefully to see the artwork or simply encounter it while wandering between neighbourhoods, it offers a compact but memorable pause. A few minutes spent here, watching the city flow past beneath rows of frozen footsteps, is often enough to give a fresh perspective on Malmö’s blend of heritage, creativity and everyday life.