Swedish History Museum, Stockholm

The Swedish History Museum in Stockholm is dedicated to showcasing the country's rich archaeological and cultural history, spanning from the Mesolithic period to the present day. Founded in 1866, the museum functions as a government agency with the mission of preserving historical artifacts and making historical knowledge accessible to the public.

The museum's origins trace back to the 16th century with King Gustav Vasa's collection at Gripsholm Castle. Despite losses in the Tre Kronor castle fire, the collection grew over time, notably in the late 18th century. After King Gustaf III died in 1792, it became a public collection, leading to the founding of the Royal Museum. The Swedish History Museum was established in 1866 by Bror Emil Hildebrand. In 1929, the government proposed converting Storgatan's military barracks into a museum, with construction completed between 1935 and 1940 following a 1930 architectural competition.

The museum's main building, designed by Romare and Scherman, combines modern and historical architectural styles. It features four block-like structures around a central courtyard, resembling a fortress. The façade is decorated with sculptures by Bror Marklund and reliefs by Robert Nilsson, while Carl Frisendahl's "Näcken" sculpture stands in the courtyard. Inside, spacious galleries host permanent and special exhibitions, with pre-Christian collections on the ground floor and artifacts from 800 AD onward upstairs. The entrance hall, renovated in 1994, offers a modern take on a Medieval knight's hall.

The museum's collections are extensive, with over 10 million artifacts, including more than 6,200 items on display. It is one of Sweden's largest museums, with a significant online presence that provides access to information on hundreds of thousands of objects. Among the museum's most notable collections is the Vikings exhibit, featuring objects from 800–1050 AD, including weapons, religious items, and everyday artifacts. The Gold Room showcases a wealth of treasures, including collars made from Roman gold coins, Viking silver jewelry, and medieval reliquaries.

The museum also houses an extensive collection of ecclesiastical art from the 12th century onwards, including the famous Viklau Madonna, and a Textile Chamber with medieval church textiles, highlighted by the 13th-century Skog tapestry.

Tip:
In order to attend a (free) guided tour, you need to come to the info desk and ask for a free ticket for the nearest time (or check online).
During the summer months, there are guided tours, games and activities in the courtyard as well.
Note that the Viking exhibition is temporarily closed. A brand new one will open spring 2020.