Gustavianum

About the museum

The Gustavianum is Uppsala University's oldest surviving building. Construction began in 1622 to drawings by Caspar van Panten, opposite Uppsala Cathedral, and the house contained lecture halls, a printing press, a student dining hall and student rooms. Medieval masonry from the archbishop's estate that previously stood on the site was built into it. Between 1778 and 1887, when the new university building was completed, the Gustavianum was the university's main building. The building became a listed building in 1935.

On the roof, Olof Rudbeck the Elder had the Anatomiska teatern (Anatomical Theatre), with its dome, built in 1662–1663 for public dissections. The theatre had standing room for around 200 spectators and is crowned by a sundial. It is still used for concerts, lectures and events.

The Gustavianum became a museum in 1997 and manages the university's collections of archaeological objects, art, coins and the history of science. Among the exhibitions is the Augsburgska konstskåpet (Augsburg Art Cabinet), a collection of about a thousand objects from the early 17th century. The museum closed for renovation in 2019 and reopened in June 2024, and in 2025 the Gustavianum became part of the Swedish cultural canon (Svenska kulturkanonen).

Highlights

• The Anatomiska teatern from 1662–1663
• The Augsburg Art Cabinet from the early 17th century
• Historical collections, the art collection and the Myntkabinettet (Coin Cabinet)
• Lunchtime tours and tours in Swedish and English
• Uppsala University's oldest surviving building

Permanent exhibitions

• Augsburgska konstskåpet – An art cabinet from the early 17th century with about a thousand objects, one of the museum's best-known works.
• Anatomiska teatern – Olof Rudbeck's dome theatre from 1662–1663 on the roof of the building, built for public dissections.
• Myntkabinettet – The university's collection of coins and medals.

Founded

1997

Operated by

Uppsala universitet

Visitors per year

approx. 90,069 (2017)

Admission & discounts

Free admission for staff and students of Uppsala University. Evening opening on the first Tuesday of the month until 20:00, at regular admission.

Accessibility

• Partially 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 new entrance towards Universitetsparken has a ramp. A lift reaches all floors and exhibitions except the upper level of the Anatomiska teatern; the lift is about 80 cm wide and 115 cm deep, so powered wheelchairs do not fit. Rollators work well, and the staircase has handrails. A wheelchair-accessible toilet with a changing table is on the entrance level. There is no parking at the museum; the nearest is at S:t Eriks torg. A space for vehicles with a parking permit is next to the Ekermanska huset, S:t Larsgatan 2. Only guide dogs are allowed.

Kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

Free admission for children and young people up to and including 19, and the autumn holiday offers a programme for children. Some exhibitions may be unsuitable for children and should be viewed in the company of an adult. Changing tables are in the accessible toilet on the entrance level. School classes and preschool groups can book tours (45–60 minutes, up to 30 pupils).

Getting there & parking

From Uppsala central station it is about 1 km, roughly a 15-minute walk.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

The museum shop sells souvenirs, literature and products from Uppsala University's range. Lockers with locks are on the entrance level; larger bags may not be taken in. Drinks and food are not allowed in the exhibitions.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Events and premises can be booked, including the Anatomiska teatern; enquiries to bokning.gust@uu.se.

Plan your visit