Veterinärmuseet i Skara

About the museum

Sweden’s first veterinary school was founded in Skara in 1775 by the Skara djäkn (a cathedral clerk) and Linnaean pupil Peter Hernquist, who had trained as a veterinarian in France. The manor-like building where teaching was given is today on the campus of SLU (the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences) in Skara and houses Sweden’s only veterinary history museum.

The idea of a veterinary history museum existed already in the mid-20th century, and objects were collected for a long time. The museum was inaugurated by King Carl XVI Gustaf in connection with the celebration of the school’s 200th anniversary. It is run by the Stiftelsen Veterinärhistoriska museet i Skara (Veterinary History Museum in Skara Foundation), which was formed in 1977 by SLU and the Swedish Veterinary Association, in cooperation with Västergötlands museum.

In the exhibitions visitors follow the development of the veterinary profession over 250 years and get an insight into its different branches, including what an operating theatre looks like. A film jukebox shows sequences from veterinary work, and films are shown in the cinema room. The basement contains well-preserved remains of the church of the Franciscan monastery of St Catherine (S:ta Katarina). The museum also has a café, a shop and a digital archive.

Highlights

• The country’s first veterinary school from 1775
• The development of the veterinary profession over 250 years
• Film jukebox with sequences from veterinary work
• Cinema room with film screenings
• Remains of the Franciscan monastery’s church of St Catherine in the basement

Permanent exhibitions

• Veterinäryrkets utveckling under 250 år – Exhibitions, films and objects showing the different branches of the veterinary profession, including the operating theatre, and how the work has changed.
• Källarvåningen med klosterkyrkan – Well-preserved remains of the church of the Franciscan monastery of St Catherine.

Founded

1975

Operated by

Stiftelsen Veterinärhistoriska museet i Skara

Admission & discounts

Admission SEK 50 per person includes an audio guide. Members of the friends association have free admission. All prices include VAT. Payment by card, cash or Swish; invoice against a fee of SEK 49.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• 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 museum is adapted for people with reduced mobility, with a lift, ramps and hearing loops. Information about rooms, parking and lifts is in the Accessibility Database (Tillgänglighetsdatabasen).

Kids & families

Children up to 16 years of age accompanied by a parent or guardian have free admission. In the low season the museum arranges educational activities for children and young people.

Getting there & parking

The museum is on the SLU campus, about a five-minute walk from Skara bus station. Parking is available next to it.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Simple café operation and a museum shop with local and Swedish products.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit