The National Museum in Stockholm opens this Saturday, 13 October 2018, after five years of renovation. The new Nationalmuseum has opened up 300 pre-built windows, regained its two light courts and made room for significantly more art than before. Peter has been on a press tour this week and we can give a little "sneak peek" before the opening this Saturday.
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National Museum in Stockholm
The National Museum on Blasieholmen in Stockholm is Sweden's largest art and design museum, and when it opened in 1866 it was one of the most modern in the world. It houses the Nordic region's richest and most comprehensive collection of more than 700,000 works of art and artefacts. The largest presentation is called 'The Timeline', which presents art and design in chronological order from the 16th century to modern times.
Treasury and Design magazine
Another exhibition is the 'Treasury' which displays jewellery, accessories, pocket watches and portrait miniatures from the museum's extensive miniature collection. There is also the 'Design Magazine' with ceramics from the early 18th century to the present day.
Extensive renovation
It has been five years since the National Museum closed for extensive renovation. A total of SEK 1.2 billion has been spent on the complex renovation. The National Museum is located in a beautiful old building, which was built in 1792, and it is not easy to renovate without causing damage.
Now the renovation is finally complete, and includes a significant increase in light by opening up 300 prefabricated windows. It has also made room for twice as many visitors and three times as much art. The visitor areas have become much larger, which has been solved by relocating workshops, warehouses and offices.
Light gardens and sculpture garden
In addition to opening up all the prefabricated windows, the museum has regained its two galleries. The northern courtyard, which was previously glazed and housed the museum's restaurant, has now been transformed into a sculpture courtyard. One of the themes of the sculpture courtyard is the change in art from idealism to realism in the 19th century, and here Thor, Odin and Balder now rub shoulders with ancient philosophers and people with modern clothes, hairstyles and blemishes.
Children's world of art
At Nationalmuseum you will also find the Children's Art World, which has been expanded in the newly renovated museum. The exhibition Villa Curiosa, for children aged 6-10, is on display here. "Those who look will find traces and clues," the museum says on its website. "Maybe there is more than one person? Who made the drawings? Whose jacket is in the cupboard?"
Opening of the National Museum
On Saturday, 13 October 2018, there will be an opening ceremony on the quay outside the National Museum. The King will cut the ribbon under the supervision of The Queen, The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel. There will also be entertainment from artists such as the Tensta Gospel Choir, KITOK, Frida Hyvönen and Sofia Karlsson.
Have you been to the National Museum before? Will you go now that it is reopening?
Find the National Museum in Stockholm
- Location: The National Museum in Stockholm is located on Södra Blasieholmskajen, opposite the Royal Palace.
- Underground railway: The nearest metro station is Kungsträdgården (blue line), exit towards the Archipelago boats.
- Bus: You can take bus number 65 to Nationalmuseum. Other options are to take bus number 2, 55, 65 or 76 to Kungsträdgården/Karl XII:s torg.
- Ferry: The Djurgården ferry from Slussen or Djurgården (Allmänna gränd) goes to Skeppsholmen. From here it is about a 10-minute walk to the museum.
Guide: Prices and opening hours
- Opening hours: The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 (2019). The museum usually closes at 19:00, but on Thursdays the museum is open until 21:00. On Mondays it is closed. Please note that opening hours are subject to change and the museum may be closed on certain public holidays. See the museum's website for up-to-date information.
- Prices: Unless otherwise stated, admission to the National Museum in Stockholm is free. However, there are exceptions and a fee may be charged for certain temporary exhibitions, events, themed tours, courses and the like.
- Payment: You cannot pay with cash at the museum. You can pay by card or Swish. You can also pre-purchase tickets online.
- Accessibility: There is a lift from street level to the entrance door and between floors, with space for a wheelchair. Wheelchairs and walkers are available for hire. Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome.
- Read more: You can find more information at the museum's website. The museum also has a dedicated app, which you can download and use as a guide and for inspiration.
You might also like:
Visiting Skansen - open-air museum in Stockholm
Prince Eugens Waldemarsudde - art in beautiful surroundings
Thielska Galleriet on Djurgården - and a boat trip
Moderna museet in Stockholm - Art on Skeppsholmen
ArkDes - museum of architecture and design
East Asian Museum in Stockholm - Japan, China, Korea
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Johnny Friskilä says:
Never actually been there. Shame on me. But then it has been closed for a while so that must be my excuse. 🙂
11 October 2018 - 7:20
Helena says:
Haha, yes you have a good excuse 😉 .
12 October 2018 - 5:19
Inga Magnusson says:
Over the years I have been a regular visitor to the National Museum, at least once a year. I have not visited the temporary premises during the renovation period and look forward to getting to the real Nationalmuseum in a couple of weeks! Thank you for posting pictures from the sneak peek.
11 October 2018 - 8:19
Helena says:
Wow, glad you've been there so often! Then it will probably be extra fun for you to see the new! 🙂
12 October 2018 - 5:23
Ama de casa says:
Never been there. A bit embarrassing actually...
Then I get a little "upset" that ordinary, modern utility items are considered old enough to end up in a museum. Like the cobra phone for example... If it had been the modern museum, I would have understood better 😉 😀.
11 October 2018 - 10:02
Helena says:
Haha, I had a cobra phone when I was a teenager. Loved it 🙂
12 October 2018 - 5:23
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
This kind of museum has never really appealed to me. I have "run" through the Louvre to see Mona-Lisa and Nike, and have dutifully visited the Prado Museum. However, I like the Salvador Dali museum in Figueres and Picasso's in Barcelona. Maybe I should give the National Museum a chance??
11 October 2018 - 12:53
Helena says:
Art museums are probably not our first choice either, so maybe we're a bit like you, although I can appreciate them sometimes, depending on what's on display etc.
12 October 2018 - 5:25
Anette says:
I have not been there either. May be a visit there as well on my next trip to Stockholm.
I will be busy, thanks for the tips.
11 October 2018 - 13:31
Helena says:
Haha, there is a lot to see and do in Stockholm 😉.
12 October 2018 - 5:26
BP says:
Can't help but laugh a little here. Yesterday I read at Klimakterihäxan (https://klimakteriehaxan.blogspot.com/) about her visit to the National Museum. Today you report on the reopening. Perfect I must say, as you covered completely different parts. Not a duplicate:-) Since I myself have not been there since 1986 when the National Museum had the controversial Coca-Cola sponsored exhibition "Coca-cola 100 years", I hardly need to go there now. You and the Menopause Witch seem to have covered most things;-)
11 October 2018 - 15:33
Helena says:
But what fun, thanks for the link! Very well written, good and interesting report at Klimakteriehäxan!
12 October 2018 - 5:32
Across the board says:
To be honest, the mussel has not attracted me before and probably won't do so now either.
11 October 2018 - 17:50
Helena says:
You should of course choose what interests you and when it comes to museums, Stockholm has many different ones to choose from!
12 October 2018 - 5:33
Snows says:
Then it's definitely time for a return visit next time I'm in the capital. It will be interesting to see how it has turned out. I think "Midvinterblot" is a cool painting!
11 October 2018 - 19:20
Helena says:
Agree that Midvinterblot is cool! 🙂
12 October 2018 - 5:34
Ruth in Virginia says:
Once a year my mum, brother and I would take the train to Stockholm for...
to visit Aunt Hanna in Stureby. The National Museum was on the programme
as safe as Gröna Lund and the Katrina lift.
11 October 2018 - 22:12
Helena says:
Nice memories! By the way, I don't know when I went on the Katarina lift, very long ago 😉.
12 October 2018 - 7:06
Rosita says:
Yes I definitely want to go! Just for the building itself. Because I'm not really interested in museums. BUT has become more in the last two months ?
Ps I can recommend the newly opened exhibition Feathers at the Ethnographic Museum on Gärdet (free entry). It is so visually beautiful, and I love the music. The museum also has a restaurant called Matmekka which has really good food. The Ethnographic Museum contains several exhibitions - and all of them are "travel themed" (from different parts of the world.
The Mediterranean Museum in the city centre is also a tip (free admission). The popular Baghdad Cafe is located in the museum - visitors hang on the lock when it opens. Very popular and often a (mostly political) celebrity to watch. Jonas Gardell is also a regular ? I recommend going on a tour - applies to both museums (20 kr). It really adds value. Tours a few days a week - info in the calendar on the websites. And if you come on a weekday, you can give me a shout - maybe I'll be there and we can have a coffee ☕️
Hugs from her who has become a bit of a "museum girl"?
11 October 2018 - 22:24
Helena says:
How nice that you write Rosita! I have been to Etnografiska before (and also guided one of their temporary exhibitions actually ;)) But I have not seen the new exhibition. I have not been to the Mediterranean Museum at all, but have received tips about it from more people, so it will be on occasion! 🙂
12 October 2018 - 7:08
Rosita says:
Hi Helena,
but oh so much fun you have guided here (at the Ethnographic Centre)!!! You must come back and see Feathers. And the Mediterranean Museum is so heavenly city-smooth.
See you! 🙂
12 October 2018 - 9:17
Emma, sun like sun? says:
But how strange! I wrote a very long comment about when I did my internship at the National Museum but it's all gone. Hmmm ... am I censored, I think? 😀
12 October 2018 - 11:50
Helena says:
Oh no, how sad that your comment disappeared!!! Your comments sometimes end up in the rubbish bin for some unknown reason. I usually approve them then, but in the worst case, I may have missed this one and then it has been thrown away with the others (because it does not exist now when I look). Sorry for this, would love to have your comments!!! Exciting that you practised at the National Museum!
13 October 2018 - 10:05
4000mil says:
Wow, didn't know it was being renovated. Haven't been there since I lived in Stockholm, probably not since the 20th century.
But there is a lot of nice art there! 🙂
13 October 2018 - 9:22
Maria / Magnolia Magis says:
Saw yesterday on Kulturmagasinet about this. It seems very attractive! I have never been there but it is a must see! How nice and exciting! How many days do you need to walk around there? 😉
13 October 2018 - 10:22
Reiselinda says:
Just put it on the list!
15 October 2018 - 21:44