Sannahed militär- och friluftsmuseum

About the museum

For most of the 19th century Sannahed was one of Sweden’s largest military training and camp areas. Närke Regiment and the Livregementets husarkår (Life Regiment Hussar Corps) were stationed here, and more than 2,000 men gathered, trained and celebrated here every summer. The midsummer celebration could attract more than 10,000 visitors. After the military left in 1912, around ten buildings have been preserved, mainly the renovated Officers’ Mess from the 1830s.

In the northern part of the Officers’ Mess a military history museum was created in 1989. Next to it is the Husarofficersstugan (Hussar Officer’s Cottage), which shows how a hussar officer lived during the exercises, and the Skomakarstugan (Cobbler’s Cottage), with a hand shoemaker’s workshop from the later part of the 19th century. In the Persedelförrådet (Stores Depot), a building from the early 19th century that also housed one of Kumla’s first general stores, the Kumla-Sannahed Local Heritage Association has built up a 20th-century museum with the general store as it looked in 1930, a kitchen from the 1940s, a school, a music shop, a photo shop and a ladies’ hairdresser’s.

The Pukestugan local heritage farm across the road consists of eight buildings from the 18th to the 20th century. The main building, from the late 17th or early 18th century, is furnished as a prosperous farmer’s home. Every year the association holds a well-attended midsummer celebration at the farm.

Highlights

• Military history museum in the Officers’ Mess
• Husarofficersstugan and Skomakarstugan
• 20th-century museum in the Persedelförrådet with a general store from 1930
• The Pukestugan local heritage farm with eight buildings
• Midsummer celebration on the old training ground

Permanent exhibitions

• Militärhistoriska museet i Officersmässen – Museum on the life of the regiments at the Sannahed training ground, in the northern part of the Officers’ Mess, with the Husarofficersstugan next door.
• 1900-talsmuseet i Persedelförrådet – General store as it looked in 1930, a kitchen from the 1940s, a school, a music shop, a photo shop with studio and a ladies’ hairdresser’s from the 1950s.
• Hembygdsgården Pukestugan – Officer’s residence from the 18th century, furnished as a prosperous farmer’s home, with a wing building and further buildings from the 18th to the 20th century.

Founded

1989

Operated by

Kumla-Sannahed hembygdsförening

Admission & discounts

Groups can book a viewing of the 20th-century museum for SEK 50 per person.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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

According to Kumla Municipality, wheelchair users can get around the whole site, but there are some major level differences. An accessible toilet is available. The 20th-century museum is described as disability-friendly.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

The area has a small garden with a play park by the 20th-century museum, and children’s activities are held on Local Heritage Farm Day.

Getting there & parking

The museum area is in Sannahed, Kumla Municipality. The Pukestugan local heritage farm lies by the old main road (Eriksgatan), on the other side of the road from the Officers’ Mess.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Coffee and ice cream are sold at Pukestugan during the Sunday viewings; coffee service on Local Heritage Farm Day.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The Officers’ Mess can be booked through Kumla Municipality’s booking system for leisure premises.

Plan your visit