Birgit Nilsson Museum

About the museum

Birgit Nilsson (1918–2005) grew up at the family farm in Svenstad in Västra Karup, which had been owned by the family since the 1700s. She lived there with her parents until she was 23, in simple surroundings without electricity or running water during the first years of her childhood, and helped with the farm's chores. Already as a young woman she sang in churches and at celebrations in the district, and the home district remained important to her throughout her career.

The farm has been converted into a museum dedicated to the world-famous singer, in accordance with her own wish, and the museum opened to the public in 2010. In the main house are preserved furniture, clothes, jewellery, photographs and other personal belongings from her life, and the house can only be seen with a guide.

The basic exhibition is called Birgit Nilsson – ögonblick och toner (Birgit Nilsson – Moments and Tones) and is renewed every year with a new theme; in 2026 the theme is En våg av framgång (A Wave of Success). An audio guide gives further depth with stories and music from some of the best-known operas. In the farm's old stable there is a café, and the museum is run by the Birgit Nilsson Stiftelsen (Birgit Nilsson Foundation).

Highlights

• Guided tour of the childhood home in the main house
• The basic exhibition Birgit Nilsson – ögonblick och toner
• Audio guide with stories, anecdotes and opera music
• Stable café in the farm's old stable
• Location on the Kattegattleden trail on the Bjäre peninsula

Permanent exhibition

• Birgit Nilsson – ögonblick och toner – Basic exhibition on Birgit Nilsson's career, renewed every year with a new theme, with an audio guide with stories and music.

Founded

2010

Operated by

Birgit Nilsson Stiftelsen

Admission & discounts

Exhibition with audio guide SEK 140 for adults. An adult accompanied by a child pays half the regular price. The stable café can be visited without paying museum admission.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main house has limited accessibility; wheelchairs and rollators cannot be taken in, but chairs are available to borrow. The other parts of the museum and the stable café are accessible. Dogs may not be taken into the museum or the main house, but are welcome in the stable café and on the hiking trail.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

From the E6, take exit 39 (Östra Karup) or exit 37 (Hjärnarp) onto road 115 and then onto Birgit Nilssons väg; the museum lies 200 metres in. Birgit Nilssons väg is narrow and winding, and both cars and buses are advised against using it as a through road towards Västra Karup. The Kattegattleden cycle route passes the museum.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

Stable café in the farm's old stable, and a museum shop in the entrance. Free Wi-Fi for visitors around the farm.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit