Kosta Glasbruk
Sweden's oldest working glassworks in Kosta, where visitors can watch glassblowing up close in the hut and join guided tours.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Kosta glasbruk (Kosta Glassworks) was founded in 1742 in the forests of Småland by two governors and former generals of Charles XII's army, Anders Koskull and Georg Bogislaus Staël von Holstein. The site was chosen so that the works could supply glass to both Stockholm and Karlskrona, and the forest provided plenty of wood for the furnaces. The furnaces have been lit since 26 July 1742, which makes Kosta Sweden's oldest working glassworks.
During the first 150 years, mainly fine glass was produced, such as window panes and crystal chandeliers for royalty, the nobility and wealthy merchants. The glassblowers came from other parts of Europe, and it was several decades before Swedes learned the technique. After criticism at the Stockholm Exhibition of 1897, the works employed its first own designer, Gunnar G:son Wennerberg, in 1898, and in 1935 the first female artist, Tyra Lundgren, arrived. Many well-known designers have since worked at the works, among them Vicke Lindstrand, Erik Höglund, Ulrica Hydman Vallien and Bertil Vallien. The Kosta Boda brand was formed by merging the glassworks at Kosta, Boda and Åfors.
Today production continues at the glassworks, and visitors can follow the work from the molten glass to blowing, grinding and painting. The works area, together with the manor house and some of the original cottages, forms the heart of the village. On the site is also the exhibition hall Kosta Boda Art Gallery, in a building designed by Bruno Mathsson.
Highlights
- Sweden's oldest working glassworks, founded in 1742
- An open hut where you can watch the glassblowing up close
- Guided tours of the history of the glassworks and its craft
- Kosta Boda Art Gallery in Bruno Mathsson's exhibition hall
- A chance to try glassblowing
- Founded
- 1742
- Operated by
- Orrefors Kosta Boda AB
Admission & discounts
| Adults | SEK 80 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | SEK 60Students and pensioners |
| Children & teens | SEK 40free up to age 6 · Children aged 7–16 pay SEK 40 for the open hut; children under 7 enter free. |
| Seniors | SEK 60Pensioner |
| Students & apprentices | SEK 60Student |
| Guided tour, adult | SEK 150Students and pensioners SEK 120, children aged 7–16 SEK 70, children under 7 free |
The open hut with a speaker costs SEK 80 for adults, SEK 60 for students and pensioners, and SEK 40 for children aged 7–16. The ticket is valid for the whole day. A guided tour (Monday–Thursday, starting at Kosta Boda Art Gallery) costs SEK 150 for adults. Trying glassblowing is booked separately.
Accessibility
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 6 |
|---|
- Hands-on stations
Visitors can try glassblowing and make their name in glass by booking in advance. Guardians are responsible for children on the glassworks premises.
Getting there & parking
The glassworks is at Stora vägen 96 in Kosta; the entrance is from the courtyard via the Kosta Boda glass shop.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The Kosta Boda glass shop and factory shops for Kosta Boda and Orrefors are on the works site.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Tours are given in Swedish and English, and in German according to schedule or on request. The open hut with a speaker is held at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and the guided tour at 10:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and 15:00 Monday–Thursday. School class visits and glassblowing taster sessions can be booked. |
