Rubens maskinhistoriska samlingar

About the museum

The collections were founded by Ruben Blom (1926–2005), who from the 1960s rescued steam engines and hot-bulb engines from the scrapyard. The first portable steam engine (lokomobil) was bought from a demolished sawmill, and soon there were three different ones. In the late 1960s he was able to buy back the childhood home south of Götene, and the location by the old E20 became very important for the development of the collections.

During the following decades the collection grew into one of the country’s most richly stocked of its kind. According to the museum it holds, among other things, about 50 steam engines, 75 portable steam engines and steam-driven vehicles, 200 engines, 50 veteran tractors, construction machines, working machines and workshop machines. The emphasis is on the period 1860–1950, and many of the machines are unique.

The Blom family lives and works next to the collections, which are still looked after and shown under the motto “collect to preserve, show to entertain”. Rubens also takes part in events around the country, where a selection of the machines can be seen and heard.

Highlights

• About 50 steam engines and 75 portable steam engines
• 200 hot-bulb and kerosene engines
• Veteran tractors and construction machines
• Unique machines from 1860–1950
• Shop with books, models and souvenirs

Permanent exhibition

• Samlingarna – Steam engines, portable steam engines, hot-bulb engines, veteran tractors, and construction and working machines from mainly 1860–1950.

Operated by

Rubens maskinhistoriska samlingar

Admission & discounts

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Accessibility

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

The website states that accessibility is very good, but gives no details. A dry toilet is located next to the visitor site.

Kids & families

The museum wants to show the machines to entertain both young and old.

Getting there & parking

The collections lie along the old E20, about 3 km south of Götene; a sign in the shape of a wheel stands beside the E20. From the south, turn off before the motorway towards Lundsbrunn and Mariedal and continue north on road 2755; from the north, turn off towards Götene, turn left at the Preem roundabout and continue south on road 2755.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Sales of books, models, decals, badges, key rings, enamel signs, T-shirts and postcards, as well as veteran tractors, engines and steam engines. Dry toilet available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit