Stockholm is a city on 14 islands. For this reason, the tourist flow to the capital of Sweden is inexhaustible. Local museums have a lot to offer: contemporary art galleries, scientific gatherings of all kinds and interactive exhibitions.
Djurgården, the island of museums, occupies a special place in the cultural life of Stockholm. It is located near the city center, and in ancient times these territories were the hunting grounds of monarchs. Now unique objects are collected here, such as Skansen - an open-air ethnographic museum, Vasa - a museum of one ship - the only sailing ship of its kind and Junibakken - a place where fairy tales come to life.
The most interesting museums in Stockholm
List of museums to visit in Stockholm!
Royal Palace
The official residence of the royal family is located in the center of Stockholm. The palace acquired its present appearance in the middle of the 18th century. As many of the premises continue to perform their direct functions, not all rooms are open to tourists. In addition to temporary exhibitions, various museums operate here: the Treasury, the Armory, the Museum of Antiquity and the Three Crowns Museum, which tells the history of the castle, which in the past stood on the site of a palace.
Address: Slottsbacken, 1, Stockholm
Website: kungahuset.se
National Museum of Sweden
The largest collection of fine art objects in Sweden is kept in the National Museum. The main building can be found on the waterfront of the Blasicholmen Peninsula in the city's historic district. The history of the collection began in 1792. The exhibits received a permanent home 74 years later: the premises were designed by the architect August Stühler. The funds contain more than 50 thousand storage units.
Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen, 2, Stockholm
Website: nationalmuseum.se
Vasa Museum
A unique "museum of one ship" has been opened on the island of Djurgården since 1990. Vasa is the only surviving sailing ship from the early 17th century. The best carpenters and blacksmiths of their time were involved in the construction of the ship. In total, about 400 people were involved in the work. It took more than a thousand trees to build Vasa. The ship sank on its first voyage and was raised from the day of the harbor only 300 years later.
Address: Galarvarvet, 14, Stockholm
Website: vasamuseet.se
Waldemarsudde
Prince Eugene, who was himself an artist, amassed an impressive collection of paintings in his villa, built in the early years of the 20th century. The furnishings of many rooms have been preserved; among other things, canvases by the authorship of the previous owner hang on the walls. When he died, all property became the property of the state. Since 1947 tourists have been allowed here. The upper floors are reserved for temporary exhibitions.
Address: Prins Eugens väg, 6, Stockholm
Website: waldemarsudde.se
Skansen
The Ethnographic Open Air Museum was founded by Arthur Hazelius in 1891. The total number of buildings has exceeded 150. Manors and houses characteristic of different periods and different parts of Sweden are gathered in a vast area. Museum workers are dressed in themed outfits. The menagerie and the Aquarium are available to visitors. The latter belongs to the complex of the Biological Museum.
Address: Djurgarden, 49, Stockholm
Website: skansen.se
Drottningholm
In the 16th century, Drottningholm was built especially for Katarina Jagiellonian, which means "the queen's castle". It was rebuilt and renovated, and the interiors of the 17th-19th centuries have survived to this day in perfect condition. Painted patterned ceilings, huge paintings on the entire wall, rare furniture, ornate chandeliers - this is an incomplete list of the beauties of the palace.
Address: Drottningholm, Stockholm
Website: kungligaslotten.se
Junibacken
This children's cultural and entertainment center is also called the Museum of Fairy Tales. The opening took place in 1996. The exhibition is a recreation of scenes from Swedish literary masterpieces. A special place is given to Astrid Lindgren: you can travel around the scenes from her works on a special train. The local shop sells books in different languages. There is a restaurant at Junibakken.
Address: Galärvarvsvägen, 8, Stockholm
Website: junibacken.se
Modern Art Museum
It has been located in the central part of Stockholm on the island of Scheppsholmen since 1958. The museum building was rebuilt in the 90s by the Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. The collection includes over 100 thousand works of art. The most valuable of them are works by Picasso, Matisse, Dali, Warhol, and Russian constructivists. There was a major theft in the history of the museum: the losses amounted to about 40 million. 3 out of 8 exhibits were returned.
Address: Slupskjulsvägen, 9, Stockholm
Website: modernamuseet.se
Viking museum
One of the distinctive museums of the island of Djurgården. The museum tells the history of the Vikings through several related expositions. The exhibitions are mostly interactive. Visitors are offered to walk along the trade route "from the Varangians to the Greeks", as well as go on a trip on a rail car and get to know the Viking family. Exhibits - household items, weapons, jewelry, clothing.
Address: Djurgårdsvägen, 48, Stockholm
Website: vikingaliv.se
Stockholm City Museum
It is located on a square called "Russian Compound". Since 1937, several exhibitions have united under one roof. Among them: installations on the theme of the Middle Ages, a collection of puppets, architectural exhibitions. The themes of the exhibitions change from time to time. A playground “Torget” has been created for children. In front of the building is a ball representing Mercury. He is part of the largest model of the solar system.
Address: Ryssgarden Slussen, Stockholm
Website: stadsmuseet.stockholm.se
Swedish Army Museum
The exposition of the museum is divided into two parts. Cannons and large military equipment are displayed in the courtyard. In the building itself, which resembles a palace, there are more modest examples of Swedish weapons, uniforms of different times, and items of soldier's use. Three floors are allocated for exhibitions. You can ask for an audio guide in English or Russian. Visitors are invited to take a photo, dressed in military uniform.
Address: Riddargatan, 13, Stockholm
Website: armemuseum.se
Nobel Museum
The collection of the museum refers not only to Alfred Nobel himself, but also to the prize he created. Visitors are invited to familiarize themselves with scientific achievements for which researchers have received one of the most prestigious awards in the world. Among the exhibits is the testament of the famous Swede. The large hall is reserved for the screening of educational films. There are separate excursions for children, including those promoting science.
Address: Stortorget, 2, Stockholm
Website: nobelprizemuseum.se
ABBA Group Museum
Opened in 2013 and belongs to the Swedish Music Hall of Fame. Stage costumes, records, photographs, the studio where the quartet's masterpieces were recorded are the basis of the collection. According to legend, in the hall dedicated to the composition "Ring, Ring" there is a telephone, the number of which is known only to the band members. It is understood that one day he will ring, and one of the museum visitors will be able to personally talk with the idols.
Address: Djurgårdsvägen, 68, Stockholm
Website: abbathemuseum.com
State Historical Museum
Founded in 1934 in the Östermalm district, the museum tells about the territory of Sweden from the Stone Age to the 16th century. The thematic continuation of the collection is in the Scandinavian Museum. The most spectacular halls are dedicated to Viking history and jewelry. The last exhibition even has its own name - "The Golden Room". It was designed by the architect Leif Blomberg.
Address: Narvavägen, 13–17, Stockholm
Website: historiska.se
Til gallery
The largest collection of Scandinavian paintings. In addition, there are masterpieces of sculpture among the exhibits. The museum was named after the Swedish banker Ernest Thiel, who stood at the origins of the exposition. With the participation of the architect Ferdinand Boberg, the patron designed the villa, where he moved his collection in 1907. The state bought his property from Thiel, after which a gallery was opened in the villa in 1926.
Address: Sjötullsbacken, 8, Stockholm
Website: thielskagalleriet.se
Medieval Museum
Externally, the building of the museum, opened in 1986, is modest. But it is conveniently located: between the Royal Palace and the opera.At the turn of the 70-80s of the last century, large excavations were carried out in the city and its environs. The artifacts found during this period became the exposition of the museum. The most interesting objects are a section of the old fortress wall, tools of labor, handicrafts, "children's corner".
Address: Stroemparterren, 3, Stockholm
Website: medeltidsmuseet.stockholm.se
Swedish Museum of Natural History
A complex of buildings was built especially for this museum by 1916. The exhibitions are dedicated to biology and geology. 9 million exhibits are categorized. Employees are actively involved in scientific work, including lecturing. The museum has a planetarium and a bird ringing center, and movie lovers can visit the IMAX cinema. Stockholm University is nearby.
Address: Frescativägen, 40, Stockholm
Website: nrm.se
Nordic Museum
In 1873, cultural scientist Arthur Hazelius initiated the creation of a museum to tell the history of the Nordic countries and peoples. The main hall is decorated with a statue of King Gustav I, seated on the throne. The exposition of the first floor is devoted to the culture of the Sami, the second - to children, the third - to folk art, and the fourth - to the decoration of houses and furniture. A bookstore and a restaurant are located in the same building.
Address: Djurgårdsvägen, 6-16, Stockholm
Website: nordiskamuseet.se
Hallville Museum
The name of the museum is given by the names of the first owners. The castle for the Hallwill couple was built in the 1890s by Isaac Gustav Klason. The Count and Countess collected paintings, porcelain, antique furniture and weapons. In 1920, they donated the collection to the state along with their residence. The museum was fully operational 18 years later. In the free rooms, performances and temporary exhibitions are held, and tastings are organized in the wine cellar.
Address: Hamngatan, 4, Stockholm
Website: hallwylskamuseet.se
Museum of photography
A photography museum was opened in the building of the former customs office in 2010. The ceremony was hosted by Annie Leibovitz, an iconic portrait photographer. The facade was kept in the same style, and the interiors were made completely modern. Inside, in addition to exposition areas, auditoriums for master classes and conference rooms, a cafe and a souvenir shop were placed. During the year, the museum hosts about 20 diverse exhibitions.
Address: Stadsgardshamnen, 22, Stockholm
Website: fotografiska.com
Maritime museum
Since ancient times, the history of Sweden has been inextricably linked with the sea. It is not surprising that one of the largest museums in the world on this subject is located in Stockholm. In front of the entrance there is a monument to the sailors who died during the Second World War. The area around is used for celebrations and concerts. Exhibits - ship models, ship interiors, ship logs and drawings.
Address: Djurgardsbrunnsvagen, 24, Stockholm
Website: sjohistoriska.se
Technical museum
The time of foundation is 1923. The collection moved to the current building after 13 years. The focus of the exposition is on the technical achievements of Swedish scientists. The large hall is occupied by a model of the Swedish railways. Telecommunications, women scientists and the environment were presented separately. Interactive exhibitions attract children. A special scientific laboratory has been opened for them.
Address: Museivägen, 7, Stockholm
Website: tekniskamuseet.se
Ethnographical museum
It was created on the basis of the Academy of Sciences. Since 1900, it has been adjacent to the Natural History Museum, and received its own building only in 1930. More than 200 thousand exhibits help visitors to learn about life on the planet. The collection is organized by region, including Africa and Oceania, and by time span, from antiquity to modern times. The museum includes a Japanese-style tea house, built in 1990.
Address: Djurgaardsbrunnsvaegen, 34, Stockholm
Website: varldskulturmuseerna.se
Police Museum
To explain to the public what exactly the police are doing, a museum was created in 2007. It consists of a series of mini-exhibitions that help visitors try on the role of a law enforcement officer. The historical background is attached to the visit, but the main thing is the interactive part. You can try on a uniform, look for evidence at the scene of a staged crime, and do paperwork.
Address: Museivägen, 7, Stockholm
Website: polismuseet.se
National Sports Museum
Founded in 1947. It originally occupied a building behind the Stockholm Stadium. He moved several times in its history and even ceased to exist for a while. It has existed in its current form since 2007. The pride of the museum is diversity: the exposition presents items related to all 68 sports that are practiced in Sweden. The museum promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Address: Djurgardsbrunnsvagen, 26, Stockholm
Website: riksidrottsmuseet.se
Museum of the Mediterranean and the Middle East
In 1954, two museums, Egyptian and Cypriot, were merged into one. The archaeological artifacts in the collection date back to a long period: from the time when the first traces of man were discovered in Mesopotamia, to the flourishing of Islamic and Christian culture. The pearl of the collection is the terracotta figures brought from Cyprus. They were found during excavations in the 30s of the last century.
Address: Medelhavsmuseet Fredsgatan, 2, Stockholm
Website: varldskulturmuseerna.se
East Asia Museum
Swedish archaeologist Johan Andersson laid the foundation for the museum in 1926. During his expeditions, he collected a valuable collection of rarities and artifacts. A special role was assigned to China before the Ming dynasty. In recent years, the collection has been significantly replenished with items of contemporary art from East Asia. A thematic library has been created at the museum, including historical, cultural and religious literature.
Address: Tyghusplan, Skeppsholmen, Stockholm
Website: varldskulturmuseerna.se
Museum of Music and Theater
It was created in 1899 as the Museum of the History of Music. Stage by stage, theater, choreography and musical instruments were added to this direction. Since 1979, it has occupied the oldest surviving industrial building in Stockholm, which is also a national architectural monument. In addition to exhibitions of dolls, props and instruments, the museum hosts lectures, concerts, performances and festive events.
Address: Sibyllegatan, 2, Stockholm
Website: scenkonstmuseet.se
Dance Museum
In 1953, a museum dedicated to the history of dance was opened in the building of the Royal Opera House. Subsequently, the exposition moved. The tour is dedicated to the development of dance art and national dances. Exhibits - costumes, masks, posters, props. Temporary exhibitions are often live performances. Some need to be booked several months in advance because they are so popular.
Address: Drottninggatan, 17, Stockholm
Website: dansmuseet.se
Royal Cabinet of Coins
The Numismatic Museum is one of the oldest in Sweden. The date of foundation is 1570. All possible types of payment systems are presented at the exhibition: from cowrie shells, which were used as currency, to bank cards of the latest generation. The funds number about 600 thousand storage units. Sections: Public Finance, Swedish Coins, World Money, Savings Banks and Piggy Banks, Art of Medals, Magic of Treasures and Treasures and Children's Exhibition.
Address: Gamla Stan Slottsbacken, 6, Stockholm
Website: myntkabinettet.se
Museum of Architecture and Design
Located in the same complex as the Museum of Modern Art. Founded in 1962, the more recognizable name is ArkDes. The permanent represents Swedish architecture through models and photographs. Other exhibitions are temporary and concern not only architecture, but also urban planning and design. Some come back periodically if they were popular with the public. The museum includes archives, a library and workshops.
Address: Exercisplan, 4, Stockholm
Website: arkdes.se
Sven-Harry Museum of Art
Based in Vasa Park since 2011. This cultural site combines several functions. Here you can come to the exhibition, seminar and training, or rent a copy of the founder's apartment for personal purposes. The museum has workshops, a media center, and rooms for conferences and recreation. Under certain conditions, almost every corner of Sven-Harry's "house of the arts" is rented out.
Address: Eastmansvagen, 10, Stockholm
Website: sven-harrys.se
Biological Museum
Zoologist Gustav Kolthoff found funding in 1892 to create a biological museum in Stockholm. A year later, architect Agi Lindegren designed the building for him. Dioramas and stuffed animals introduce visitors to the flora and fauna of Sweden.In the basement, dioramas were placed, reproducing the landscapes of different coasts. In the 90s of the XX century, the museum was restored.
Address: Djurgarden Hazeliusporten, Stockholm
Website: biologiskamuseet.com
Museum of toys and comics
The founders of the museum are the von Schinkel family. Exhibition area - 2500 square meters. The recognizable name of the museum is Bergrummet, and in its niche it is considered one of the largest in Europe. Rare train models and 15th century dolls coexist with modern comics and educational games. An impressive exhibit is a Volvo car cut in half, inside which dozens of toy cars are neatly arranged.
Address: Svensksundsvägen, 5, Stockholm
Website: bergrummet.com
Astrid Lindgren Apartment Museum
The world famous Swedish writer has lived in the house at 46 Dalagatan for more than half a century. The apartment has 5 rooms and a kitchen. In 2015, these premises became a museum open to everyone who wants to get acquainted with the work and personal life of Astrid Lindgren. There are age restrictions: 15 and older. You need to buy tickets in advance: volunteers act as guides, so their work schedule is free.
Address: Dalagatan, 46, Stockholm
Website: astridlindgrensallskapet.se
