Stockholm Museums

The city of Stockholm has many museums where you can gain a better understanding of Swedish history, culture, and art. There are at least 30 or so museums in the Stockholm city area and many more surrounding the city. This article will only focus on museums in the Stockholm city area including downtown Stockholm, Gamla Stan, Skeppsholmen, Kastellholmen, Djurgarden and Sodermalm.

Downtown Stockholm

While visiting downtown Stockholm, like most cities, there is plenty of corporate buildings, apartments, and shopping. Stockholm also has plenty of parks and historic buildings. Many of these historic buildings have been designed or donated for museums to feature Stockholms historical past. The following are definitly 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 their elegant garments and 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 are looking for something to do with the kids The Toy Museum has an extensive display of old and new toys. They also have an interactive area for the kids to enjoy.
• 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 beautiful island next to the city has many walking paths surrounded by trees and gorgeous gardens. You can spend an entire day on the island meadering the paths and savoring the views. While there you can enjoy lunch at one of the quaint restuarants. But while you are there you can also explore several museums, such as:

• 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 Sodermalm overlooks the city of Stockholm and connects to Gamla Stan by a series of bridges. It is known for having plenty of shopping and good restaurants. It is also noted for having the following two popular museums in Slussen, the north 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.

Conclusion

On your next trip to Stockholm, plan to visit some of the many museums they have to offer. There are so many museums with plenty to share about Swedish history, culture, and art.