Stockholm Museums

Stockholm boasts a rich array of museums that offer deep insights into Swedish history, culture, and art. The city itself is home to at least 30 museums, with many more in the surrounding areas. This article will highlight museums located within the Stockholm city area, including downtown Stockholm, Gamla Stan, Skeppsholmen, Kastellholmen, Djurgården, and Södermalm.

Downtown Stockholm

While exploring downtown Stockholm, you’ll find a mix of modern corporate buildings, apartments, and shopping centers, much like in any major city. However, Stockholm also boasts numerous parks and historic buildings, many of which have been repurposed or donated as museums showcasing the city’s rich history. Here are some museums that are definitely worth a visit:

• The National Museum showcases art and design with collections featuring work from the 1500s up to present day. 
• One of the wealthest families from the 1800s, the Hallwyl family, donated their residence to the Swedish state to become a museum. The Hallwyl Museum, showcases the Hallwyl family’s many collections and art within their preseved residence in the heart of downtown.
• You can dance, sing, and put on theator make-up at The Performing Arts Museum, only blocks away from the Hallwyl museum. There are also stage costumes, musical instruments and original manuscripts throughout the interactive stations.
• Hear about the wars, spies, and secret service while you view Swedish uniforms and weaponry at the Army Museum.
• Learn about Vikings through today by exploring artifacts and cultural history at The Swedish History Museum.
• Maritime Museum, the museum of naval history also showcases exibits on merchant shipping and shipbuilding. 
• Experience and learn about different cultures at the Ethnographic Museum.
• The Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities features collections of ancient objects from the Mediterranean and Near East.
• Want to mess your brain? Enjoy the interactive Paradox Museum experience art and illusion.

Stockholm Museums on Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan is not only an island but the Old Town of Stockholm. With cobble stone streets lined with restuarants and souvenir shops Gamla Stan is a must see for your family vacation. It is also the sight of many historic buildings including The Royal Palace and The Nobel Price Museum. There are many other museums to see including:

• As mentioned above, The Royal Palace is four museums in one. A visit to The Royal Palace includes The Treasury, The Palace, Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities, and The Tre Kronor Museum (the original castle).
• The Royal Armoury gives a detailed history and time line of the royal monarchs of Sweden. Along with the elegant garments on display the museum also showcases the lavish royal carriages.
• Once the only post office in Stockholm the Postmuseum now showcases a extensive collections of both postal history and stamps.
• Find out about Swedish medieval life at the Medieval Museum.
• Learn about Jewish cultural heritage throughout Swedish history at the Jewish Museum.
• In addition to coins, The Economics Museum – The Royal Coin Cabinet also includes medals, banknotes, share certificates and other items with a financial history.
• Visit the Wooden Horse Museum and store for a small exhibition of new and antique Dala horses.

Museums on Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen

These two small islands have a few good museums, most notibly the Moderna Museet and ArkDes which share the same building. The other museums include the following:

• If you’re looking for a fun activity with the kids, The Toy Museum is a great choice. It features an extensive collection of both old and new toys, along with an interactive play area that children will love.
• Explore Asian art and archaeology at the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities.
• Although it is not a museum, walk around the historic Kastellet which was once used for military defense.
• Like the Kastellet, the Skridskopaviljongen (skating pavilion) is now used for events. You can walk around the building that was once used by the Royal Skating Club and Royal Swedish Sailing Society.

Stockholm Museums on Djurgarden, the Garden Island

This picturesque island, located just beside the city, is home to scenic walking paths surrounded by lush trees and stunning gardens. You could easily spend an entire day wandering the trails and soaking in the breathtaking views. Along the way, you can stop for lunch at one of the charming restaurants. In addition to its natural beauty, the island is also home to several fascinating museums, including:

• You cannot miss the gorgeous Nordiska Museum as you arrive on the island. Not only can you learn the architecture of the building, but the museum is an exploration into the culture and lifesyle of the Nordic countries.
• Another must see museum is the Vasa Museum. The Vasa ship sank on it’s maiden voyage in 1928. It was salvaged after 333 years and is on display in the temperature and humidity controlled museum.
• Learn about the art of making alcohol and then finish up with a beverage at the Spirit Museum.
• Journey back to the Viking age in the Viking trip Ragnfrids Saga ride. Then explore the Viking Museum to learn more about the Viking history and culture.
• Learn about shipwrecks of the Baltic sea in the Vrack – Museum of Wrecks.
• Enjoy the music, original costumes, and memorabilia of ABBA at the ABBA the Museum.
• Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde was originally home to Prince Eugen, but it is now an art museum. The museum exhibits art of famous Nordic artists and modern artists along with Prince Eugen’s works and collections.

• The Thielska Galleriet is another fascinating art museum featuring the art collection of Ernest and Signe Thiels. The art collection, displayed in the Theil home, consists of works by well-known Nordic artists from the turn of the last century. 
• Take a tour through Rosendal Castle to see how royalty of the 1800s lived when they wanted to get away from the formal court life.
• Visit Skansen open-air museum with the kids and immerse yourself in the Swedish life of the 1700s through today. Walk through historical homes and shops while you participate in workshops with interpreters dressed in authentic clothing.

Stockholm Museums on the coast of Sodermalm

The island of Södermalm offers stunning views of Stockholm and is connected to Gamla Stan by a series of bridges. Known for its vibrant shopping scene and excellent restaurants, Södermalm is also home to two popular museums located in Slussen, along its northern coastline facing Stockholm:

• The City Museum at Slussen shows the history of the city of Stockholm from 1527 through today.
• The largest photography museum in the world, Fotografiska has three floors contemporary photography. Exhibits are changed by theme or by artist on a regular basis making each visit a unique experience.

On your next trip to Stockholm, be sure to explore some of the city’s many museums. With a wealth of exhibits showcasing Swedish history, culture, and art, there’s something for every visitor to enjoy.