Gotlands Museum, Visby (must see)

The Gotland Museum was founded in 1875 by the Friends of Gotland's Antiquity society. Spearheaded by Pehr Arvid Säve, the museum's primary objective was to preserve and showcase historical artifacts and everyday objects associated with Gotland, while also documenting intangible aspects of life on the island.

Over the years, the museum has grown and expanded its collection through generous donations from individuals, who have contributed single items or entire estates. It now houses an impressive collection of approximately 400,000 objects, which are curated and stored in three depositories. The largest of these is the Magasin Visborg, located outside Visby. In a commendable move towards accessibility and transparency, the Magasin Visborg has been open to the public since 2014, allowing visitors to witness the richness of Gotland's heritage up close.

The collections within the Gotland Museum are thoughtfully divided into different sections, each representing a significant aspect of the island's history and culture. The cultural history section exhibits clothes, textiles, household items, weapons, and agricultural objects that offer insights into the daily lives of the island's inhabitants throughout history. The art collection comprises paintings, graphic prints, and sculptures, showcasing the creativity and artistic expressions of the region. The archeological collection is of particular interest, containing objects that span from 7,000-year-old stone axes to Medieval seals, providing a comprehensive glimpse into Gotland's past through excavated finds.

Furthermore, the museum houses a collection of natural history, featuring fossils, herbariums, butterflies, mounted animals, and skeletons, which sheds light on the island's natural environment and biodiversity. This diverse array of collections underscores the importance of preserving and interpreting Gotland's heritage in all its dimensions.