Hylténs industrimuseum
Living industrial museum in a preserved metal goods factory from 1914 in Gnosjö, where the machines are driven by belts from the factory’s own power station.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
J E Hylténs metallvarufabrik (metal goods factory) was in operation between 1874 and 1974. Johan Edvard Hyltén started the business in a smithy at the family farm Hyltan, where, among other things, bow saw frames, kerosene lamps and Småland purses were made. The company received silver and bronze medals at the Stockholm Exhibition in 1897 and was an early adopter of electrified machine drive.
After a fire in 1914, a new plant was built at Gåröström, where the factory still stands today. It was designed by Johan’s son John, and his brother Paul later took over the management. Until the Second World War the company made, among other things, boat fittings and fire hydrant fittings, and at its peak it had 42 employees. After the war few new investments were made, the largest being an extension in the 1950s.
When the factory closed in 1974 it was an old-fashioned industrial environment that had hardly changed since the early 20th century. Today it is a living industrial museum with preserved machines, tools, offices and a stock of goods ready to be dispatched. The workshop is driven by belt drive, and the electricity comes from the factory’s own power station, which is more than a hundred years old. All the industrial buildings northwest of the main road are declared listed buildings, and in 2005 the factory was named Industrial Monument of the Year by Svenska Industriminnesföreningen (the Swedish Industrial Heritage Association).
Highlights
- Intact metal goods factory with belt-driven machines
- Own power station that is over 100 years old
- Offices and stock that remain as they were when the factory closed in 1974
- Listed buildings and Industrial Monument of the Year 2005
- Products made in the old way, such as school bells and mortars
Permanent exhibition
- Den bevarade fabriken – Intact metal goods factory with belt-driven machines, tools, offices and stock from the time before 1930, shown by guides.
Admission & discounts
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Accessibility
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Kids & families
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Getting there & parking
The factory lies in the southern part of Gnosjö at Gåröström, about 600 meters north of Gnosjö church, on Anderstorpsvägen, opposite Gåröströms industrimuseum.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
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Events & venue rental
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Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The museum is shown by knowledgeable guides. Visits outside opening hours and group visits are booked in advance, and guided tours can be booked for private parties and companies. |
