K. A. Almgren sidenväveri & museum

About the museum

K. A. Almgrens sidenväveri (K. A. Almgren Silk Weaving Mill) was founded in 1833 by Knut August Almgren, who had learned the new Jacquard technique in Lyon. He began making silk fabrics in small premises at Mosebacke torg on Södermalm and was already appointed royal court supplier in 1844. In the 1870s the company reached its peak with over 280 employees, most of them women, and its largest product was silk shawls, which were in demand by women across the country.

From 1904 Almgrens was the only remaining silk weaving mill in Stockholm. When demand for silk fabrics fell, the company broadened its activities to include clothing manufacture and wholesale. During the textile and garment crisis of the 1950s–1970s the various companies were wound up, and in 1974 the weaving mill was closed. It was restarted in 1991, and in 2002 the operation was reorganised as an independent foundation with support from the City of Stockholm and Region Stockholm.

Today the weaving mill is both a museum and a working weaving mill, in a factory setting with a machinery park from the 19th century. Weaving with Jacquard mechanisms is carried out again in the mill. The basic exhibition Fabriken (The Factory) on floor 3 tells of silk shawls, Jacquard looms and women's work in the textile and garment industry, and the museum manages a collection including looms, punched-card chains, pattern drawings, silk shawls and fabrics.

Highlights

• Stockholm's only active silk weaving mill, in its original setting
• Jacquard looms in operation
• The basic exhibition Fabriken about silk shawls and women's work
• Collection of looms, pattern drawings and silk shawls
• Museum shop with silk fabrics, shawls and Almgren's washcloths
• Open introductory tour on every open day

Permanent exhibition

• Fabriken – Basic exhibition on floor 3 about silk shawls, Jacquard looms and women's work in the textile and garment industry, from the founding in 1833 to the present day.

Founded

1833

Operated by

Stiftelsen K. A. Almgren sidenväveri & museum

Admission & discounts

Prices apply from 1 January 2026. Payment by card (not American Express) and Swish; cash is not accepted. The Kulturarvskortet (Cultural Heritage Card) and Riksvävarna give 50% off admission, and Samfundet S:t Erik 50% off admission and 10% in the shop. Free admission for members of the friends' association, authorised guides, ICOM, IGC, Riksförbundet Sveriges museer (the National Federation of Swedish Museums), SMI and the Go City Stockholm Pass.

Accessibility

• Partially 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

Authentic 19th-century factory setting with uneven floors, thresholds and some narrow passages. The entrance, shop and weaving mill are on floor 1 and the exhibition is on floor 3, with a lift to both from gate 15 D (lift dimensions 102 × 139 cm). Three parking spaces for people with reduced mobility are available on Repslagargatan. A large accessible toilet is on floor 3. There is an induction loop (T-slinga) in the lecture hall, the entrance and the shop, and receivers can be borrowed at the entrance desk.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

School programmes, craft and creative workshops during holidays and weekends, and free admission for children and young people up to 18 years of age.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is through the gate at 15 A. The lift is reached from gate 15 D, in the courtyard to the right.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop
• Coat check

Museum shop with silk fabrics, shawls, a collection with motifs from the museum's holdings and Almgren's washcloths. Cloakroom on floor 3 (unattended). No food service. Wi-Fi is mentioned only for conference guests.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 30 guests.

The lecture hall Kokongen on floor 3 holds up to 30 people in cinema-style seating. Event premises are the old weaving hall and the attic floor with the basic exhibition.

Plan your visit