Tumba bruksmuseum

About the museum

Tumba bruk was founded following a decision in 1755 that Sweden should manufacture its own banknote paper, because forged banknotes had been printed on imported paper. For several centuries paper for Swedish banknotes was made here, and the mill grew into a community with housing, workshops, gardens and its own fire station.

The idea of a museum was raised in the early 1960s, with engineer Harry Ericsson as the driving force. Old objects that had been stored in the attic of the Klockhuset were moved to Kölnan, and Tumba Bruks museum opened to the public in 1968. When the paper and printing operations were sold, the cultural-historical buildings and the land passed to the Statens fastighetsverk (the Swedish National Property Board), and in 2004 the Stiftelsen Tumba Bruk (Tumba Bruk Foundation) was formed to care for the collections.

On 4 June 2005 the museum reopened in a new form, with longer opening hours and several new permanent exhibitions. The operation is today run as part of the Statens historiska museer (Swedish National Historical Museums).

Visitors can see Sweden's banknote history in Oxhuset, follow the history of paper in Röda magasinet, learn about life at the mill in Kölnan and see fire protection at the mill in the old Spruthuset (fire engine house). Between the buildings lie the mill's gardens, and in the paper workshop it is possible at certain times to make your own handmade paper.

Highlights

• Sweden's banknote history in Oxhuset
• Papermaking and paper workshop in Röda magasinet
• Life at the mill in the culturally protected building Kölnan
• Spruthuset with a historic fire engine and fire-fighting equipment
• The mill's gardens and Brukscaféet

Permanent exhibitions

• Sveriges sedelhistoria – The exhibition in Oxhuset follows the development of money, from amber and furs to banks and banknotes.
• Livet på bruket – In the culturally protected building Kölnan, the exhibition tells the story of the people who lived and worked at Tumba bruk.
• Papprets historia – In Röda magasinet the history of paper and of papermaking at the mill is shown.

Founded

1968

Operated by

Statens historiska museer

Admission & discounts

The entry ticket is personal and is valid for the whole of 2026. The exhibition Från spargris till Swish (From Piggy Bank to Swish) has free admission. Annual passes for seven museums within the Statens historiska museer are available in the shop and online.

Accessibility

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

Oxhuset (entrance, shop, banknote history), Röda magasinet and Spruthuset are accessible by wheelchair. Oxhuset has a lift and an accessible toilet, and Röda magasinet has an accessible toilet. Kölnan is not accessible because the building is culturally protected, but the exhibition is available digitally on a computer in Oxhuset. Two disabled parking spaces are near the entrance. Free audio guide in Swedish and English.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

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

Free admission for children and young people up to 18, a printed children's map of the area, the family exhibition Från spargris till Swish and holiday activities. Most of the museum is pushchair-friendly, but not all exhibitions are. The café has child seats and a microwave for baby food.

Getting there & parking

From the E4/E20 take exit 146b towards Tumba and Hågelbyleden (road 258), then follow the signs to Tumba bruk.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

Brukscaféet (self-service) with pastries, ice cream and cold and hot drinks; indoor seating and outdoor tables. Shop in Oxhuset.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Up to 120 guests.

Premises in Oxhuset, Stora Stenhuset (Bancosalen, with space for up to 120 standing guests) and Röda magasinet, for meetings, conferences, dinners and parties. Wi-Fi is included in the hire.

Plan your visit