Telescope Services

Sweden’s iconic red wooden cottages are famous for their charm and connection to nature—but soon, one will be sitting in a place no one expected: the Moon!

This ambitious project, called Moonhouse, is the brainchild of Swedish artist Mikael Genberg, who has spent over 25 years dreaming of placing a tiny red cottage with white trim on the lunar surface. Known for putting red cottages in unexpected locations, Genberg’s vision takes Swedish culture beyond Earth!

🚀 How will it get there?
The unmanned Moon mission is being run by the Japanese space company ispace, with a soft landing expected in about four months. Once on the Moon, the micro rover Tenacious will deploy Moonhouse onto the lunar surface. Sweden is also contributing to the mission—mining equipment from Swedish company Epiroc will be used to collect samples from the Moon’s surface.

🏡Why are Swedish red cottages so famous?
The distinctive Falu red paint, made from the copper mines in Falun, has been used since the 16th century to protect wooden houses from the harsh Nordic climate. These cottages are not just charming—they’re a symbol of Swedish heritage, sustainability, and the deep connection to nature.

✨ A symbol of home—on Earth and beyond
Placing something as simple and familiar as a Swedish red cottage in a cold, distant, and colorless environment challenges our perception of what is possible. The Moonhouse is both an artistic statement and a reminder of our roots on Earth, while also symbolizing our dreams and ambitions to reach beyond our known boundaries.

🌕 Swedish creativity, reaching new frontiers
While the Moonhouse is an art project, it also reflects Sweden’s pioneering spirit in space, engineering, and innovation. From sustainable housing to space exploration, Sweden continues to dream big!

📸 Credits: ispace Mission 2; Shutterstock