Historiska museet

About the museum

The Historiska museet (Swedish History Museum) was founded as a modern museum in 1866 by Bror Emil Hildebrand. It holds the central state collections of objects from Sweden's prehistory and Middle Ages, as well as church art from more recent times. The museum is part of the agency Statens historiska museer (the Swedish National Historical Museums).

In 1943 the museum moved into its present premises at the junction of Narvavägen and Linnégatan in Östermalm. The building was designed by Bengt Romare and Georg Scherman, whose proposal Nytt och gammalt won second prize in an architectural competition in 1930. It became a balanced compromise between modernism and neoclassicism.

The Guldrummet displays nearly 3,000 objects of gold and silver from prehistoric times, including three rare gold collars from the Migration Period. Since the 17th century, a law has applied that old gold and silver finds should be handed over to the state. Vikingarnas värld is one of the world's largest Viking exhibitions, with around 2,500 original objects, and Forntider tells the story of people from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages.

The exhibition Sveriges historia presents a concentrate of events and lives from the 11th century to the present day, in ten scenes, one from each century. The Ekonomiska museet (Economic Museum) is in the same building, and its admission is included in the ticket.

Highlights

• The Guldrummet with nearly 3,000 gold and silver objects
• Vikingarnas värld with around 2,500 original objects
• Forntider – people from the Stone, Bronze and Iron Ages
• Sveriges historia from the 11th century to today
• Medieval art, fashion and life

Permanent exhibitions

• Guldrummet – Nearly 3,000 objects of gold and silver from prehistoric times.
• Vikingarnas värld – One of the world's largest Viking exhibitions, with around 2,500 original objects and interactive stations.
• Sveriges historia – Ten scenes, one from each century, about events and lives from the 11th century to today.

Founded

1866

Operated by

Statens historiska museer

Director

Katherine Hauptman

Admission & discounts

Admission to the Ekonomiska museet in the same building is included. The Kulturarvskortet (cultural heritage card) gives 50% off. A Museikort (museum card) can be borrowed at some libraries in Stockholm and gives free admission for two people for a week. Payment by card, Swish or cash.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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 entrance is a stone staircase without a ramp, but a lift is to the right of the stairs. Door openers at the lift entrance and in the entrance hall. Folding seats are in the entrance hall and at the exhibitions, and there is a rest room. Hearing loop in the lecture hall, Bifrost and the Barockhallen. Disabled parking right beside the main staircase (cobblestones). Changing tables in the accessible toilets on all floors.

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

The Vikingarnas värld has try-it stations for all the senses. Prams may be taken in except into the Guldrummet, and a pram parking area is in the entrance hall. Children and families have programmes, including during the autumn holiday.

Getting there & parking

Cycle path all the way to the museum.

Amenities & dining

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

Restaurant Rosengården and museum shop. Free Wi-Fi for visitors. Ask at the information desk about a cloakroom.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit