Lödöse museum

About the museum

Lödöse museum tells the story of the medieval trading place Lödöse. After several major archaeological investigations, the first museum opened in 1965 in a basement space in a rented block. The present museum building was inaugurated in 1994 and designed by the architect Christer Håkansson, with the medieval palace at Bjälbo in Vadstena as its model.

The collections consist mainly of archaeological finds from medieval Lödöse, over half a million objects, which makes the site one of the country’s richest medieval find sites. The exhibition Medeltida liv (Medieval Life) shows objects that belonged to people who lived in the town, among them a Viking, a princess and a monk. The exhibition Örtagården (the Herb Garden) deals with the medicinal plants and folk beliefs of the Middle Ages, and in Lilla medeltiden (Little Middle Ages) children can play their way into a medieval town where people and animals lived closely together.

The museum is run by the cultural administration of Västra Götaland Region. The building also houses a café, a shop and a library, and the museum offers school programmes, tours and holiday activities. The exhibition Häxor (Witches), on the witch trials of the 17th century, is planned to have its West Swedish premiere here at the end of November.

Highlights

• Over half a million archaeological finds from medieval Lödöse
• The exhibition Medeltida liv (Medieval Life)
• Örtagården (the Herb Garden) with medieval medicinal plants
• Lilla medeltiden (Little Middle Ages) for children
• Free admission for people under 20

Permanent exhibitions

• Medeltida liv – Everyday life in medieval Lödöse, told through objects that belonged to the people who lived there, among them a Viking, a princess and a monk.
• Örtagården – Medieval medicinal plants, folk belief and curiosities in an environment for all the senses.
• Lilla medeltiden – Play exhibition for children about a medieval town where people and animals lived side by side.

Founded

1965

Operated by

Västra Götalandsregionen, kulturförvaltningen

Admission & discounts

Free admission also for teachers with school classes, guides and ICOM members. Payment is cashless, by card or Swish.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description

The museum has a sensory room where visitors can rest from impressions. Audio-described tours with tactile objects, copies and scents are offered for the exhibition Medeltida liv. Assistance dogs and service dogs are welcome; please tell the reception. More information is in Tillgänglighetsdatabasen (the accessibility database).

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Pushchairs may not be taken into the exhibitions; there is lockable pushchair parking outside the entrance, and locks and baby slings can be borrowed at reception. Packed lunches can be eaten in the café on the second floor, where there is a microwave. Lilla medeltiden is a play exhibition for children, and object-hunt booklets are available at reception. Crafts, theme tours and try-it activities are mainly arranged during holidays and some weekends. Drakklubben (the Dragon Club) gathers children interested in history and archaeology.

Getting there & parking

By car via the E45, exit 93 (Lödöse/Nygård).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café Alfhild serves light lunches, sandwiches and fika, with outdoor seating. The shop is by the entrance. Library on the entrance level near the reception. Payment is cashless.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

Premises can be booked according to the museum’s website.

Plan your visit