Eskilstuna stadsmuseum

About the museum

Eskilstuna stadsmuseum is on Faktoriholmarna in central Eskilstuna, in the building known as Faktoriet, which once housed the Carl Gustafs stads gevärsfaktori (the Carl Gustaf town rifle factory). The museum opened in 1979 under the name Faktorimuseet and tells the story of Eskilstuna’s history, from the castle that burnt down in 1680 to the town’s industries.

The museum’s collections contain about 70,000 objects and 350,000 photographs. The basic exhibitions deal, among other things, with Slottet som försvann (The Castle That Disappeared), Eskilstuna in the 18th century, with wigs, plague and regicide, Laddat (Loaded), on weapons made in the town between 1813 and 2009, and the Ångmaskinhallen (steam engine hall) with steam locomotives, a steam fire engine, a portable steam engine and steam engines that can be driven, and the Mekaniska verkstaden (mechanical workshop) with machines from the early 20th century.

For children there is Lilla stadsmuseet (Little City Museum) for ages three to ten, and the experiment exhibition Faktotum. The museum also works with cultural environments and building conservation, documentation and educational activities, and several other places belong to the city museum, including Rademachersmedjorna (the Rademacher forges), Lagersbergs säteri (Lagersberg manor) and Sörmlandsgården.

Highlights

• Steam engine hall with steam locomotives, a steam fire engine and steam engines that can be driven
• Mechanical workshop with lathes, presses and planers
• Eskilstuna in the 18th century, with wigs, plague and regicide
• Laddat – on weapons made in Eskilstuna 1813–2009
• Lilla stadsmuseet and the experiment exhibition Faktotum for children
• The Castle That Disappeared

Permanent exhibitions

• Ångmaskinhallen – Steam locomotives, a steam fire engine, portable steam engines and many steam engines that can be driven, from the town’s industries; the machines are run a few times a year.
• Eskilstunas 1700-tal – Exhibition on 18th-century Eskilstuna, with costumes, town models and stories about plague, regicide and everyday life.
• Lilla stadsmuseet – Play exhibition for children aged 3–10, where you shop at the market square, shovel coal into the steamboat and climb industrial chimneys.

Founded

1979

Operated by

Eskilstuna kommun

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission.

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 main entrance via Strömsholmen has a door opener; the entrance from the inner courtyard (Faktorigatan 4) is narrower, has no door opener and has steps, but a wheelchair-accessible door is opened by staff via an intercom. Disabled parking is in the inner courtyard. The exhibitions are on two floors with a lift, there are no thresholds, and level changes have ramps. Accessible toilets are on both floors. The lecture hall has an induction loop.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Lilla stadsmuseet is designed for children aged 3–10, and the experiment exhibition Faktotum has interactive parts. Pushchairs may be brought into all exhibitions except Lilla stadsmuseet (pushchair parking at reception); a changing table is on the lower floor. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Getting there & parking

Main entrance via Strömsholmen/Hamngatan; there is also an entrance via the inner courtyard, Faktorigatan 4.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Café Å-fiket with light snacks (fika), ice cream and drinks, plus some more substantial options; packed lunches may be eaten among the café tables, and a microwave is available. Mini shop with local history literature. Free storage lockers (key from reception). Free wifi (network EskilstunaDirekt; terms must be accepted).

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit