Sjöhistoriska museet

About the museum

The Sjöhistoriska museet (Maritime Museum) was inaugurated on 28 May 1938 by King Gustaf V, but its history began as early as 1913, when the Föreningen Sveriges Sjöfartsmuseum i Stockholm (Association of the Swedish Maritime Museum in Stockholm) was formed. The Sjöfartsmuseet opened to the public in February 1914 in the building at Skeppsbron 46 in Gamla stan, and in 1928 the Marinmuseum (Naval Museum) opened in Stockholm with parts of the naval history collections. The two collections became the basis of Sjöhistoriska.

The Knut and Alice Wallenbergs stiftelse (Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation) contributed SEK 800,000 towards the building, but set conditions: the cabin and the stern of King Gustav III's pleasure yacht Amphion were to have a prominent place, and the building was not to be built in functionalist style. The architect Ragnar Östberg, the man behind Stockholm City Hall, won the competition. The museum was built in 1934–1935 on Gärdet in neoclassical style, with a few features of functionalism.

Today Sjöhistoriska is part of the Statens museer för maritim-, transport- och försvarshistoria (Swedish National Museums of Maritime, Transport and Defence History). The basic exhibitions Klart skepp!, Shipping & Shopping and Amphion show, among other things, naval models, the history of merchant shipping and the gilded stern in the museum's rotunda. The museum also has a library, archives and a ship's pier that is open during the summer season, and it is responsible for the K-marking of vessels.

Highlights

• Amphion's gilded stern in the rotunda
• Naval models from the 18th century to today
• Shipping & Shopping about the history of merchant shipping
• Wreck finds and objects from the submarine Ulven
• The children's play room Blubb and a sailing school

Permanent exhibitions

• Klart skepp! – A selection of the museum's naval models from the 18th century to today, together with objects from the submarine Ulven, which was lost in 1943.
• Shipping & Shopping – Basic exhibition on the history of merchant shipping, with trade as the starting point for a journey through Swedish shipping.
• Amphion – The stern and saloon of Gustav III's pleasure yacht Amphion, the only surviving part of the ship, are shown in the museum's memorial hall.

Founded

1933

Operated by

Statens museer för maritim-, transport- och försvarshistoria

Admission & discounts

Sjöhistoriska is cashless. The entrance fee is always included in programme tickets. Tickets can also be bought on site at the entrance. Membership of Sjöhistoriskas Vänner (Friends of Sjöhistoriska) costs SEK 300 (family SEK 500) for the calendar year 2026.

Accessibility

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

The main entrance is reached by stairs or a ramp (door opening 100 cm). There is a lift at the back of the museum with an intercom and an automatic door opener (door opening 110 cm). All public areas are normally accessible by wheelchair and pram, and a wheelchair can be borrowed at the entrance. Adapted toilets, changing rooms and nursing rooms are on the basement level. Disabled parking is at the main entrance and at the back, two metres from the lift. Hearing aids can be used on tours. Animals are not allowed in the museum, except service and assistance dogs. The website is also available in an easy-read version and in sign language.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The children's play room Blubb, Seglarskola (sailing school) and the creative workshop Ruskpricken for children. Family tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 13:00 for children from age 6. The mascots Draken, Galten and Delfinen accompany the audio guide. Changing tables and nursing rooms are on the basement level.

Getting there & parking

Bus 69 may sometimes take a different route during events; check with SL.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers

Sjöhistoriska Café & Bar with outdoor seating. Packed-lunch room with microwaves, open daily 10:00–17:00. Lockers for bags and outer clothing on the ground floor. Museum shop.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

Rooms for conferences and events can be booked via the museum's booking service.

Plan your visit