There are dozens of fabulous museums in Stockholm, but if you’re strapped for time which ones should you visit?
To help you decide, I’ve narrowed them down and created a list of museums that cover something to appeal to a broad range of tastes. So whether you’re into history, art, music, or Swedish culture, you should find something to pique your interests.
The Vasa Museum
Kicking off the list is the Vasa Museum located on the island of Djurgarden, and arguably the most impressive museum in Stockholm.
It is the most visited museum in the whole of Scandinavia, and it’s hardly no surprise when you see how much effort has been put into restoring Vasa, a famous 64-gun warship.
While not quite as famous as the Titanic, which saw a similar fate, it sank to the bottom of the Stockholm archipelago only shortly after it set sail on her maiden voyage in 1628!
During the recovery of the ship in 1961, archaeologists also found thousands of artefacts and the remains of at least 15 people which you can find in skeletal form at the museum. Other artefacts include weapons, clothing, food, coins and cutlery.
The museum is truly is an unforgettable record of an extraordinary event in Swedish history. Due to the popularity of the Vasa Museum, it is recommend to pre-book tickets in advance.
Due to the interactive nature of the museum, and the sheer scale of the ship, it’s the perfect activity for both adults and children. Better still, Children up to 18 can enjoy free admission.
Website: www.vasamuseet.se
ABBA: The Museum
Inspired by The Beatles Museum in Liverpool, ABBA: The Museum opened its doors in May 2013 and has been a popular pilgrimage for lovers of Sweden’s most successful band ever since.
It is located on the island of Djurgarden opposite Skansen, and not too far from the Vasa Museum. There’s lots to see in this museum kitted out with a variety of interactive displays and audio commentary provided by the band themselves.
Walk through recreated studios and marvel at their original costumes – sequins, velvet, tassels, and flares galore – including the ones they wore at the Eurovision in 1974 with their winning song Waterloo.
If you consider yourself a bit of a pop star, you can even audition to be a fifth member of the group in a specially designed karaoke stage complete with a halogram of the group!
Read about my visit to the ABBA Museum here.
Website: www.abbathemuseum.com
Fotografiska
The museum exhibits on two floors and has held host to a variety of world renowned artists. These include Annie Leibovitz, Joel-Peter Witkin and Gus Van Sant to name but a few. The museum also hosts a fabulous restaurant and bar, with fabulous views of the across Stockholm and the archipelago.
Website: www.fotografiska.com
Skansen
Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and also located on the island of Djurgarden (along with the Vasa and Abba Museum). Founded in 1891 by Artur Hazelius, it was created to show the way of life in different parts of Sweden before the industrial revolution.
Attracting over 1.3 million visitors a year, the museum exhibits over an area of 75 acres. It includes a replica of a 19th-century town where there are demonstrations of traditional craftsmanships such as blacksmiths, shoemakers and glass-blowing. There is also an open-air zoo with a huge variety of Swedish animals such as brown bear, lynx, wolves, otters and moose. And if you visit around Christmas, enjoy the world-famous Christmas market!
Website: www.skansen.se
Moderna Museet
One of my favourite museums in Stockholm and located on the super pretty island of Skeppsholmen, surrounded by nature. Here at Moderna Museet you will find one of the largest collections of 20th and 21st century art in Sweden spanning all media including painting, photography, film, sculpture and installation art.
On display are works by Picasso, Matisse, Dali, Jean Buffuet and many others. As well as the permanent collection, there are temporary exhibitions throughout the year showcasing both Swedish and international artists.
Website: www. modernamuseet.se
Nationalmuseum
Sweden’s largest museum of art and design holds a collection that comprises of more than 700,000 objects in total. Although it’s not possible for the collection to be exhibited in full, a recent $132 million overhaul sought to put more of the museum’s collection on display.
If your tastes sway toward European art from the early Renaissance to the early 20th century, it won’t disappoint. You’ll be sure to discover some local Swedish artists, as well as big-hitters like Rembrandt, Gauguin, and Cezanne.
It was originally built between 1844 and 1866 and was designed by German architect Friedrich August Stüler who took inspiration from Florentine and Venetian Renaissance buildings. In its current form, it commands attention overlooking the beautiful waters of Strandvagen.
Website: www.nationalmuseum.se
Nobel Museum
As you can probably guess from its name, the Nobel Museum is about Nobel laureates and celebrating their contributions to the world.
At the moment, the museum is particularly focusing on Martin Luther King Jr, and promoting his life’s aim of racial equality and peace through non-violent means. Other parts of the museum highlight the need to take care of our world which seems increasingly more relevant with our growing population.
Lastly, with extra information about past Nobel recipients and how their contributions have changed and influenced our world will you feel better about humanity having visited. Located in the tourist hotspot of Gamla Stan, you’ll find plenty of other things to enjoy in the capital’s Old Town too.
Website: www.nobelprizemuseum.se
Hallwyl Museum
Hallwyl Museum stands as a majestic testament to Sweden’s Gilded Age and the remarkable life of Countess Wilhelmina von Hallwyl.
Wander through the opulent rooms adorned with exquisite furniture, art, and decor from around the world including an extensive collection Asian porcelain. Explore the impressive art collection, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from various periods. And of course, no palace is complete without an extensive collection of weapons and armour. Oh, how the upper class live!
What are your favourite museums in Stockholm?
Further reading → Stockholm: You’re More Than Just a Pretty Face
One Response
Hi Shing! I loved the Vasa Museum in Stockholm. I was there in 2018 and stayed for 10 days – 5 days in Stockholm and 5 in Örebro. It is a lovely country. I love visiting small towns as they can also provide a lot at a cheaper price. You can find many attractions and cute locations at http://www.kartasveriges.com People ar not as cold as you can read online and I loved their food. I will go there again one day!