Brigadmuseum

About the museum

Brigadmuseum opened in 2013 and is an experience museum in Karlstad about the history of the brigades and Swedish defence during the Cold War. The museum is run as a limited company with a special profit limit (aktiebolag med särskild vinstbegränsning), owned and governed by Föreningen Sveriges Infanteribrigadmuseum i Värmland (the association Sweden's Infantry Brigade Museum in Värmland). The association's task is to care for parts of Sweden's military history heritage and pass it on through educational and interactive museum activities.

The museum is part of the state network Sveriges Militärhistoriska Arv (Sweden's Military History Heritage), which comprises some twenty military history museums. The exhibition is based on interactivity: there are few display cases, and most things can be touched, tried and explored with all the senses. Visitors can sit in period settings, try on uniforms and drive a military jeep.

The museum is spread across two connected buildings, one newly built and one older building with a Q designation (Q-märkt), and in the courtyard stands a number of military vehicles. The activities also include a café, a museum shop, school programmes, children's parties and conferences.

Highlights

• The main exhibition “Sverige i skuggan av kalla kriget” (Sweden in the Shadow of the Cold War), 1945–1991
• Interactive exhibition with period settings, uniforms and a military jeep
• Shooting simulator included in the admission
• Military vehicles in the courtyard, open around the clock
• Café with its own micro-bakery and museum shop

Permanent exhibition

• Sverige i skuggan av kalla kriget – Interactive main exhibition on military and political events from 1945 to 1991, with period settings, uniforms, a military jeep and a shooting simulator.

Founded

2013

Operated by

Brigadmuseum AB

Admission & discounts

Free admission for members of FSIV. The museum is cashless. The shooting simulator is included in the admission price.

Accessibility

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

The museum is adapted for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with a lift to all floors (the lift has Braille markings) and automatic door openers at all doors. The older building has cobblestones on floor 1, but most wheelchairs can be pushed over the surface. Wheelchairs and sulky pushchairs can be borrowed. There is an accessible toilet with a changing table and two accessible parking spaces. Guided tours can be adapted, for example for visually impaired visitors. Guide dogs are welcome; other pets may only be on the outdoor terrace.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Kids’ birthday parties

The exhibition is meant to be pressed, felt and climbed on: children can crawl into the military tent and jump up into the military jeep. Scavenger hunt (Sakletarjakt) and animal hunt (Djurjakt) are free of charge. Parts of the exhibition may be experienced as scary by some children. A loan pushchair, a changing room, children's chairs in the café, children's parties and school programmes are offered.

Getting there & parking

The museum is next to the E18, with hotels within walking distance and a footpath along the Klarälven river towards the centre (about 1–1.5 km).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café with its own micro-bakery (sandwiches and pastries, with gluten-free options) and an outdoor terrace. Museum shop with military model kits, books, toys and souvenirs. Pea soup with sourdough pancakes is served on Thursdays 11:00–14:00 during the season.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 30 guests.

Conference room for up to 30 people in cinema seating; also company activities such as “Soldat för en dag” (Soldier for a Day) and “Militärkampen” (Military Contest), and children's parties.

Plan your visit