Stadsmuseet i Stockholm

About the museum

Stadsmuseet i Stockholm was founded in 1937, after the discovery of the Riddarholm ship, and opened to the public in 1942. Until 2013 it was called Stockholms stadsmuseum. The museum is run by the City of Stockholm and tells the story of the city's history and development.

The museum is on Södermalm at Slussen, in the Södra stadshuset at Ryssgården. Construction of the building began in 1663 to drawings by the city architect Nicodemus Tessin the Elder; it was first intended as a trading office, but in the 1670s it was used as the town hall building on Södermalm. The house is a protected cultural building from 1680.

The museum closed for renovation on 12 January 2015 and reopened on 27 April 2019 with a new Stockholmsutställningen. The exhibition follows the city's development chronologically over three floors, from the Reformation through the People's Home to the modern metropolis, and ends at the top with the home of the Pihlqvist family. The museum also has temporary exhibitions, a library with research rooms, a shop, a café and a room for children and families.

Highlights

• The Stockholmsutställningen over three floors, from the 16th century to today
• The home of the Pihlqvist family at the top of the building
• Södra stadshuset from the 17th century, designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder
• Free admission to the exhibitions
• Mellanrummet – a room for children and families

Permanent exhibition

• Stockholmsutställningen – An exhibition over three floors that follows Stockholm's development from a small town at the edge of northern Europe to a modern metropolis, with sections on the king's city, the trading and industrial city, the modern city and the Pihlqvist family's home.

Founded

1937

Operated by

Stockholms stad

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission to the museum's exhibitions. Certain events, tours and city walks may cost money.

Accessibility

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

With a few exceptions, the whole museum is accessible. The building from 1680 is a protected cultural building. The entrance and entrance hall have no thresholds, the reception is staffed, and there is hearing equipment and a hearing loop, contrast markings and clear signage. The museum has three floors where a wheelchair and rollator can be used, with ramps as an alternative to stairs; the exception is the steep stairs up to the Pihlqvist family's home. A lift runs from Ryssgården to the entrance level. There is a toilet with room for a powered wheelchair. The lecture hall on floor 2 has Bluetooth audio for hearing aids, and a portable receiver can be borrowed. The space for temporary exhibitions on floor 0 has its own entrance with a lifting platform (maximum weight 225 kg). Special transport and taxis stop at Peter Myndes backe 6. Dogs are allowed only as guide or assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities
• Playground / play area

The Mellanrummet on floor 0 is a room for children and families where you can rest, read, play and eat your packed lunch; in October 2026 it was closed because of a water leak (normally Tuesday–Sunday 11:00–16:00). Programmes for children and families include Historiedetektiverna (History Detectives). Prams are allowed when the museum is not too crowded; pram parking is under the stairs in the courtyard and by the lift hall. Changing tables are at the information desk on floor 0 and on floor 1 outside the Salongen.

Getting there & parking

The main entrance is in the courtyard on floor 0, reached by stairs and a lift from the square. Special transport: Peter Myndes backe 2 (lift at the entrance to Ryssgården).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Coat check
• Lockers
• Wi-Fi

Stadsmuseet's café serves fika, sandwiches and a light lunch. Cloakroom and lockable lockers are on floor 0, to the left after the main entrance; large bags and shopping trolleys cannot be left. Free Wi-Fi on the network StockholmPublic. You may eat your own packed lunch in the Mellanrummet or in the museum courtyard.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit