Mölndals stadsmuseum

About the museum

Mölndals stadsmuseum opened in February 1987 as Mölndals museum, first in the former police station on Norra Forsåkersgatan in Kvarnbyn. When the collections grew and the premises became too cramped, the museum moved at the turn of 2001–2002 to the larger industrial building Strumpan, a former stocking factory on Kvarnbygatan 12 beside the rapids.

In the new premises the museum introduced the idea of an open storage: instead of a store of objects that only staff can enter, the museum’s objects are shown in a large, flexible exhibition where visitors may touch the things. In 2011 the museum was renamed Mölndals stadsmuseum to make clear that the City of Mölndal is the principal and that it is neither a private nor a local heritage museum. After a renovation in 2013 the museum reopened in January 2014 with new design and new themes.

The museum tells the story of people’s lives and work in Mölndal from different perspectives. Three permanent exhibitions are shown: Lyx från Lindome, with chairs and furniture from the 18th to the 20th century; Öppna magasinet (the open storage); and 1 rum och kök (one room and kitchen), which depicts a family’s life in Kvarnbyn about 100 years ago. A temporary exhibition is always shown as well. The collections comprise almost 40,000 objects and images. In 2027–2028 the museum is moving to newly built premises in the Forsåker district, about 500 metres from the current location; the last opening day at Kvarnbygatan 12 is 31 January 2027.

Highlights

• Öppna magasinet, with nostalgic everyday objects that visitors may touch
• Lyx från Lindome, furniture and chairs from the 18th to the 20th century
• 1 rum och kök, a home setting from Kvarnbyn about 100 years ago
• Old schoolroom where you can experience a school day from 100 years ago
• Free admission and museum building in the former Strumpan stocking factory

Permanent exhibitions

• Lyx från Lindome – Wooden chairs and furniture from the 18th to the 20th century, made by joiners in Lindome, with information about the craft.
• Öppna magasinet – Thousands of everyday objects shown without display cases, with photos, stories and questions; visitors may touch the objects.
• 1 rum och kök – A home setting showing how a family lived in Kvarnbyn about 100 years ago.

Founded

1987

Operated by

Mölndals stad

Visitors per year

approx. 42,428 (2017)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The museum has free admission.

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
• Audio description: not available

The exhibition areas, the museum shop and the Forscafé are at ground level and can be visited by wheelchair, and all thresholds have ramps. The entrance door from Kvarnbygatan has an automatic door opener (about 20 metres from the car park), while the entrance from the front requires manual opening and leads over uneven paving and a footbridge. A wheelchair can be borrowed at the entrance. An accessible toilet is available at the entrance. The lift to the second floor (meeting rooms and offices) is reached from the Forscafé. Braille and audible information are not available, but most objects may be touched. A preparation booklet in easy Swedish (lätt svenska) is available. Assistance dogs are welcome; other pets may not come in.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations

Activities and tasks for children are available at several places: object bingo, search cards and a treasure-hunt walk (tipspromenad), mini furniture to assemble in the joinery workshop, an old schoolroom with aprons and caps, and a home setting in 1 rum och kök. Most objects may be touched, but carefully. Activities are held during the school holidays.

Getting there & parking

From the E20/E6 take the exit towards Mölndals centrum and follow the signs to Pixbo/Kvarnbyn up the hill Kråkan, where the museum is on the right. The museum is about one kilometre from Mölndals innerstad.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Forscafé serves pastries, sandwiches and lunch dishes, with outdoor seating facing the rapids in summer. Eating food brought from home is not allowed in the museum or in the café. The museum shop sells nostalgic gifts, design objects, toys, books and products with a local connection.

Events & venue rental

As far as we know, the museum does not rent out spaces for external events.

Since 1 July 2026 the museum’s meeting rooms can no longer be booked by external organisations.

Plan your visit