Livrustkammaren

About the museum

Livrustkammaren is one of Sweden's oldest museums and has its roots in the 17th century. Originally it was the royal household's store of costumes, armour and weapons. During the 19th century the collections were opened to visitors, and today the museum belongs to the agency Statens historiska museer.

The museum is located in Slottsbacken in the eastern part of the Royal Palace (Kungliga slottet) in Gamla stan, but it is a separate museum with its own entrance and its own tickets. The collections comprise over 30,000 objects linked to the Swedish royal family from Gustav Vasa to the present. They are above all showpieces, costumes and ceremonial armour from royal ceremonies, weapons from the royal families' collections, and coronation carriages and state carriages from the court stables.

Some objects have been kept because they were present at decisive moments in history, such as Gustav II Adolf's stuffed horse Streiff from the Battle of Lützen in 1632, and Gustav III's masquerade costume from the assassination attempt at the opera in 1792. The museum's 17th-century collections are unique and well documented through inventories, receipts and accounts, so that one often knows who owned an object, who made it and on which occasion it was used.

Highlights

• Gustav II Adolf's stuffed horse Streiff
• Queen Kristina's coronation mantle
• Gustav III's masquerade costume from 1792
• The royal carriages in the carriage hall
• Lilla rustkammaren for children and families

Permanent exhibitions

• Utställningen om Sveriges kungliga historia – Over 1,000 objects tell Sweden's history through the monarchy, from Gustav Vasa to the present, with interactive stations for smells, materials and sounds.
• Vagnhallen – de kungliga vagnarna – Royal carriages are displayed in the old palace vaults, down a staircase; they were used at weddings, coronations and funerals.
• Lilla rustkammaren – A playful room for children and families, with a cabinet of curiosities and a conservator's studio.

Founded

1628

Operated by

Statens historiska museer

Admission & discounts

The ticket covers the whole museum, including all exhibitions, for one day. Entry passes from Go City Stockholm and Tiqets are accepted.

Accessibility

• 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

All public areas are accessible by wheelchair, and wheelchairs can be borrowed on site. The main entrance is 165 cm wide with an automatic door, and a lift goes to all floors. Disabled parking is at Gubbens gård; the key is collected from reception. An audio-described guide is available for the permanent exhibition. A portable guide system for hard-of-hearing visitors can be connected to hearing aids, but there is no induction loop. Pushchairs may not be taken into the exhibitions. The palace façade is being renovated until autumn 2028, but the entrance is the same and the museum is open as usual.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly: not available
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

Lilla rustkammaren lets children touch and smell royal objects. The Slottsmusen chest (SEK 30, for children aged 4–8) and children's and family trails offer playful routes through the museum. There is a Riddarklubben (Knights' Club) and family tours. Pushchairs may not be taken into the exhibitions but can be left at the entrance. The changing facilities are one flight of stairs down.

Getting there & parking

The entrance is on Slottsbacken, in the eastern part of the Royal Palace. The museum has its own entrance and its own tickets, separate from the palace's.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi for visitors; the username and password are available at the till. There is no café or restaurant, and eating or drinking is not allowed in the exhibitions, the entrance or the shop. Small museum shop at the entrance. Cloakroom with lockable lockers next to the shop; suitcases cannot be stored.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Premises in the historic setting can be hired for parties, meetings, events and corporate photography; one tour is included in the price. Booking via bokning@livrustkammaren.se.

Plan your visit