Sveriges Rundradiomuseum

About the museum

Sveriges rundradiomuseum (Sweden’s Broadcasting Museum) is in the old long-wave station at Bondebacka by Motala, known for the radio call sign “Stockholm–Motala”. In 1926 the Telegraph Board was granted funds by the Riksdag for a broadcasting station in central Sweden, and Motala was chosen because the town lay “in the middle of Sweden” – the broadcasts would reach listeners both in Stockholm and in Gothenburg. The station was built on land that belonged to the Bondebacka farm and was designed by the architect Carl Åkerblad, who had previously designed the transmitter station at Grimeton. In the building a 30 kW Marconi long-wave transmitter was placed, Europe’s most powerful, and two 120-metre-high masts made by Motala Verkstad carried the antenna.

The station soon needed to be extended, and in 1934 work began on a new transmitter hall and a 150 kW Marconi transmitter. During the Second World War an underground transmitter bunker was built as a reserve station, and the station was guarded around the clock. In the 1950s the Motala station also got a television transmitter, and in 1962 an FM transmitter was installed. After that the station was taken out of operation, and operations were moved to the Orlunda station.

Since 1976 the transmitter station has been a museum. Motala municipality has owned and managed it since 2012, and in 2015 the old transmitter station was designated a listed building. The exhibition “Alla tiders radio” (Radio of All Times) follows the development of radio from the crystal set to mobile telephony, and the museum shows original technology from the 1920s and a Luxor exhibition. The masts can be seen from far away and are for many a symbol of Motala.

Highlights

• Original Marconi transmitters from the 1920s and 1930s
• The exhibition “Alla tiders radio” (Radio of All Times)
• Luxor exhibition with radio receivers
• The 120-metre-high radio masts
• Podcast studio that can be booked

Permanent exhibitions

• Alla tiders radio – The development of radio through different periods, from the crystal set to mobile telephony.
• Originalteknik från 1920-talet och Luxorutställning – The station’s original equipment and radio receivers of the Luxor brand.

Founded

1976

Operated by

Motala kommun

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Free admission. Booked group guided tours are charged.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• 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

According to the municipality, the museum is accessible for people with reduced mobility.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The museum is in Bondebacka in Motala; the 120-metre masts can be seen from far away.

Amenities & dining

• Café

Café with ice cream and simple fika during the summer.

Events & venue rental

The podcast studio in the museum can be booked by school classes and private individuals.

Plan your visit