Why not visit some museums in Stockholm? Sweden's capital is one of the most museum-rich cities in the world and the range of museums is vast, whether you prefer history, science, culture or perhaps art.
Table of contents
Museums in Stockholm
In recent years, we have visited a long of museums in Stockholm. We still have some left, which we plan to visit in the future. But, even though we have a few left, we feel that it is now time to put this guide together. Maybe we can tell you about some new museums in Stockholm to visit!
1. Historical museums in Stockholm
Hallwylska Palace (Norrmalm) is a fantastic museum. The rich Hallwyl family once lived here, and today you can see their beautiful home, as well as Wilhelmina von Hallwyl's amazing collections. Read more about the Hallwyl Palace here.
Historical Museum (Östermalm) is free of charge and offers an interesting journey from ancient times to the present. For example, you can immerse yourself in the worldview of the Vikings or be horrified by the bloody massacre at the Visby ring wall in 1361. Read more about the History Museum here.
Jewish Museum (Old Town) is located in Stockholm's oldest synagogue. Here you can learn about the history of the Jews in Sweden. It is particularly interesting if you join a guided tour. Read more about the Jewish Museum here.
The Royal Palace with its museums (Old Town) is fascinating to visit. You can see the representative floors, but there are also several different historical museums: Livrustkammaren, Skattkammaren, Museum Tre Kronor and Gustav III Antique Museum. Read more about the Royal Palace here.
Museum of the Middle Ages (Helgeandsholmen, Old Town) displays remnants of the real medieval Stockholm as well as finely constructed medieval environments. The museum is free and interesting to visit. Read more about the Medieval Museum here.
The Viking Museum (Djurgården) is not a classic museum with artefacts but rather an 'experience museum'. Here you can learn about Viking life in an interactive and entertaining way. Read more about The Viking Museum here.
2. Museums on the history of war and ships
Army Museum (Östermalm) is an interesting museum that tells the story of war and peace from the 16th century to modern times. It also hosts various temporary exhibitions and programmes. Read more about the Army Museum here.
Maritime History Museum (Djurgården) tells the story of seafaring and naval history. The museum is very well adapted for children and families, with many family activities. Read more about the Maritime Museum here.
Vasa Museum (Djurgården) is perhaps one of the most famous museums in Stockholm. At the museum you can see the Vasa ship in its full glory, but also learn more in several interesting exhibitions. Read more about the Vasa Museum here.
Wreck (Djurgården) is a marine archaeological museum focusing on wrecks found on the bottom of the Baltic Sea and their history. The museum is neat, modern and largely interactive. Read more about Wrecks here.
3. Museums on Nordic cultural history
Nordic Museum (Djurgården) is a cultural history museum where you can learn more about traditions, holidays, fashion and food in the Nordic region through the ages. Traditional exhibitions are interspersed with temporary and more modern ones. Read more about the Nordic Museum here.
Skansen (Djurgården) is a fine open-air museum with heritage buildings from different parts of the Nordic region, as well as wild Nordic animals. Skansen also hosts many popular events such as the Christmas market. Read more about Skansen here.
4. Museums on culture in the world
Ethnographic Museum (Djurgården) offers a world of indigenous people, dance masks, poison arrows and travel experiences from different eras. The museum's restaurant offers exotic food and beer. Read more about the Ethnographic Museum here.
Mediterranean Museum (Norrmalm) displays Egyptian mummies and archaeological finds from the great Swedish Cyprus expedition of 1927-1931. One of the most interesting and beautiful museums in Stockholm! Read more about the Mediterranean Museum here.
East Asian Museum (Skeppsholmen) is a cultural history museum focusing on Japan, China and other parts of East Asia. This museum has free admission and is relatively traditional. Keep an eye out for different exhibitions. Read more about the East Asian Museum here.
5. Museums on social issues
Police Museum (Djurgården) tells us about the work of the police, but also about the victims of crime and how we ordinary people view the police. This is a museum for those who want to reflect and think. Read more about the Police Museum here.
Postal Museum (Old Town) is temporarily closed for renovation and will reopen in autumn 2023. The museum, which is aimed at both children and adults, tells the story of the development of the post, stamps and communication.
Liquor Museum (Djurgården) is an interesting and entertaining museum about alcohol and people's relationship with spirits. It has various exhibitions and also organises tastings. Read more about the Spritmuseum here.
Tramway Museum (Norra Djurgården) was previously located in Södermalm, but has now opened in new premises in Norra Djurgårdsstaden. The museum shows the development of public transport in the Stockholm area from the 1650s to the present day. Read more about the Tramway Museum here.
City Museum (Slussen) tells the story of Stockholm's history and the lives of Stockholmers in different eras. In addition to exhibitions, city walks and other activities are organised.
6. Museums about sport and play
National Sports Museum (Djurgården) tells the story of sport and athletics through the ages. Here you can see how people played sport in the past, learn about the culture of sport or perhaps try physical exercises yourself. An interesting and entertaining museum. Read more about the National Sports Museum here.
Stockholm Game Museum is currently closed and may reopen at a new address. The museum tells the story of video games. You can see and try out everything from early arcade games like Pac-Man to today's modern blockbusters. Read more about the Stockholm Game Museum here.
Stockholm Toy Museum (Skeppsholmen) displays an impressive collection of toys and comic books. An entertaining and nostalgic museum for children and adults alike. Read more about Stockholm Toy Museum here.
7. Science museums in Stockholm
National Museum of Natural History (Norra Djurgården) is a biological and geological museum. It is the largest museum facility in Sweden and also houses Cosmonova, a planetarium and a domed IMAX cinema.
Nobel Prize Museum (Old Town) is a museum dedicated to the Nobel Prize. It has both permanent and temporary exhibitions, which focus on the laureates as well as their works. Read more about the Nobel Prize Museum here.
Technical Museum (Djurgården) is a history of technology museum that has a lot to offer for both adults and children. For example, you can see the fascinating 'Hyper Human' exhibition, which explores the border between man and machine. Read more about the Technical Museum here.
8. Museums on design, performing arts and literature
ABBA Museum (Djurgården) tells the story behind ABBA and the group's career. This is an entertaining and nostalgic museum for both ABBA fans and everyone else. Read more about the ABBA Museum here.
ArkDes (Skeppsholmen) specialises in architecture and design. You can see models of architecture in Sweden and various exhibitions. The museum has free admission and is located right next to the Moderna Museet. Read more about ArkDes here.
Dance Museum (Norrmalm) is a museum of dance and movement, with costumes, masks and visual arts. Various exhibitions and activities are organised here.
Performing Arts Museum (Östermalm) presents Swedish cultural heritage in music, theatre and dance. Various exhibitions and other activities are organised here.
Strindberg Museum (Norrmalm) showcases both Strindberg's home in the Blue Tower and exhibitions on his life and work. This is a nice museum, which is interesting both for Strindberg fans and those who want to know a little more about the famous author. Read more about the Strindberg Museum here.
9. Art museums in Stockholm
Bonniers Art Centre (Norrmalm) is an art centre with various exhibitions. Guided tours and other activities are also organised.
Photographic Centre (Södermalm) is one of the many popular museums in Stockholm where you can see exhibitions of contemporary photography. The exhibitions are varied and the photographs on display are often thought-provoking and emotional. Read more about Fotografiska here.
Liljevalchs art centre (Djurgården) displays modern and contemporary art in a renowned building. It hosts the annual 'Vårsalongen' - a juried exhibition open to anyone over the age of 18 to apply. Read more about Liljevalchs konsthall here.
Modern Museum (Skeppsholmen) is a museum of modern and contemporary art. At the museum, which is free to enter, you can be prepared for art that challenges and questions. Read more about Moderna museet here.
National Museum (Blasieholmen, Norrmalm) is Sweden's largest art and design museum. Here you can see art and design presented along an imaginary timeline, from the 16th century to modern times. Read more about the National Museum here.
Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde (Djurgården) is a popular art museum showcasing Prince Eugene's paintings and various temporary exhibitions. You can also see the castle where the prince lived and walk among the sculptures in the park. Read more about Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde here.
Sven-Harry Art Museum (Norrmalm) is a gold-coloured museum in the middle of Vasa Park where you can see Sven-Harry Karlsson's impressive art collection. It also hosts various temporary exhibitions. Read more about the Sven-Harry Art Museum here.
Thielska Gallery (Djurgården) is a fine art museum that showcases the Thiel couple's large art collection, as well as various temporary exhibitions. A nice way to visit the gallery is by shuttle boat. Read more about the Thielska Gallery here.
More museums in Stockholm
There are actually even more museums in Stockholm. There are a number of smaller museums that we have not included here, as well as museums in the neighbouring municipalities. For example, we can mention the Tom Tits Experiment in Södertälje, Marabou Park in Sundbyberg, Youseum in Solna and Pythagoras Industrial Museum in Norrtälje.
What are your top tips for museums in Stockholm?
What are your top tips for museums in Stockholm? Which of the above mentioned museums is your favourite? Or can you suggest something completely different?
Hagaparken in Solna - castles, gazebos and pavilions
Hagaparken in Solna is a beautiful park where you can stroll among castles, gazebos and...
"The whole journey" at Paul Taylor Lanthandel in Sundbyberg, Sweden.
We recently tested the 'Whole Journey' menu at the celebrity restaurant Paul Taylor Lanthandel in Sundbyberg. This is...
Rosersberg Castle - a royal castle in Sigtuna, Sweden
Rosersberg Palace is a royal palace in Sigtuna, north of Stockholm. This castle is a...
Törnskogen nature reserve - lost twice in one day
Törnskogen Nature Reserve consists of Södra Törnskogen in Sollentuna and Norra Törnskogen in Upplands Väsby. Here...
Noor's castle - a Carolingian wooden castle in Uppland
Noor's Castle is a wooden Carolingian castle in Knivsta, Uppland. It may be a very...
Pythagoras Industrial Museum in Norrtälje - step into history
The Pythagoras Industrial Museum in Norrtälje tells, in a very vivid way, about a piece of Swedish industrial history....
Bredsands camping in Enköping
Finally, we have a completely free weekend and the opportunity to go out with the motorhome ....
Drottningholm Palace in Stockholm - guide for your visit
Last weekend we visited Drottningholm Palace in Stockholm. It was a fantastic autumn weekend, and...
Cultural trail in Värmdö - Pilhamn on Ingarö.
Yesterday a new cultural trail opened in Värmdö municipality, on the island of Ingarö, called Kulturstig Pilhamn....
Huvudsta farm in Solna - murder story and beautiful surroundings
Huvudsta farm in Solna is located a short walk from the marina where we live. We are...
Albert Engström's museum in Grisslehamn, Roslagen.
The Albert Engström Museum is located in Grisslehamn in Roslagen and tells the story of the artist Albert Engström. Here...
Steninge castle in Uppland - Aunt Anna and the sugar bushes
Guest writer: Anna Nilsson Spets A visit to Sweden for me is full of activities, we headed for...
What to do in Sundbyberg - 9 tips for cosy Sumpan.
What can you do in Sundbyberg? We have lived in Sumpan for many years, and...
Kapellskär campsite in the Riddersholm nature reserve
Kapellskär's camping is beautifully located in the Riddersholm nature reserve, with the coast and the Åland Sea right outside. We...
Wenngarn Castle in Sigtuna - castle park, café and history
Wenngarn Castle in Sigtuna is a beautiful castle, which was once built by Magnus the...
Solna church - and the beautiful Norra begravningsplatsen cemetery
Solna Church is a nice little round church from the 12th century. Adjacent to the church is Norra begravningsplatsen, which...
From Sundbyberg to Sigtuna - a visit to the Sigtuna Foundation
Guest writer: Christina Gripenberg More specifically, to the Sigtuna Foundation. It's a journey of 1.5 hours, first...
Grisslehamn in Roslagen - 7 tips on things to do
Located on Väddö in Roslagen, Grisslehamn is a charming little town that is bustling with...
Excursions in Stockholm in times of coronavirus - 15 tips
Tips on 15 excursions in Stockholm in times of corona! Because yes, what do you do when you...
Marabouparken in Sundbyberg - art gallery and park hangout
Marabouparken in Sundbyberg is a park with an art centre and a large collection of sculptures. Despite...
Berth in Sikhjälma harbour - scenic area at Hållnäs
This motorhome weekend started with us going to a parking space in Sikhjälma harbour,...
Paul Taylor Lanthandel - celebrity restaurant in Sundbyberg, Sweden
Paul Taylor Lanthandel in Sundbyberg is a climate-smart, modern and, above all, sustainable restaurant....
Riddarholm Church in Stockholm - the burial place of kings
Riddarholm Church is Stockholm's only surviving medieval monastery church. This magnificent building, constructed at the end of the...
The Swedish Upplands Road - FREEDOMtravel Themed Roads
Svenska Upplandsvägen is a themed road that takes you from Stockholm through beautiful Roslagen, and...
30 attractions in Old Town - tourist in Stockholm
Sights in the Old Town! The old parts of Stockholm are not only charming and beautiful,...
Lövstabruk - ironworks dating back to the 16th century
Lövstabruk in Uppland is one of the so-called vallon mills in Sweden, a historic ironworks....
Butterfly House in Haga - tropical climate, butterflies and sharks
Have you visited the Butterfly House in Haga? For us it was a long time ago, but now...
Filmstaden Råsunda in Solna - 100 years of film history
Filmstaden Råsunda is currently operating as a cinema, although it is currently closed due to...
Ängskärs sea campsite in Uppland - and three caravan sites
Ängskärs havscamping is beautifully situated on the Hållnäs peninsula in north-eastern Uppland. We camped here for one day and...
Visiting the Royal Palace of Stockholm - photos and tips
What is it like to visit the Royal Palace in Stockholm? If there is any attraction in the...
Pampas marina in Solna - all you need to know
Pampas marina in Solna is a marina, where you will also find houseboats and a restaurant....
Kvarngården in Knivsta - homestead with nice parking space
Kvarngården in Knivsta is a local history centre and caravan park run by Knivsta Hembygdsgille. Here...
Linnaeus' Hammarby in Uppsala - Aunt Anna botanises
Guest writer: Anna Nilsson Spets A stone's throw from Uppsala's bustling city centre is the rural Linnaeus Hammarby....
Bogesund Castle in Vaxholm - and the Great Castle Tour.
Bogesund Castle in Vaxholm is a beautiful 17th-century castle located in the Bogesund countryside in Stockholm...
Österbybruk - mansion and mill environment in Roslagen
Österbybruk is beautifully located in Roslagen and offers a beautiful manor house, historic mill environment and...
Things to do in Norrtälje - 11 tips for the capital of Roslagen.
What can tourists do in Norrtälje? Norrtälje is an idyllic archipelago town with beautiful old...
bmlarstravellingblog says:
There are a lot of museums in Stockholm! I made an estimate and found that I have visited almost half of the ones on your list, 17 of them.
Our favourite and the one we have visited the most times is Fotografiska and now we will soon try to visit again as all three exhibitions seem interesting. Hans Gedda's portraits are really nice and the exhibition on news photography seems interesting.
Otherwise, we were pleasantly surprised by Hallwylska, where we got a really good guided tour.
Then we talked about visiting the Historical Museum, if only to see the Ålleberg collar, which is in the Gold Room at the Historical Museum. We had to settle for a replica at the Falbygden Museum.
23 October 2022 - 12:36
Helena says:
It was not bad to have visited 17 museums! There are so many in Stockholm. I agree that Fotografiska is an exciting museum! I also like Hallwylska! And we can recommend Historiska! It's interesting and surprised us positively, nice and well organised, so that you can easily absorb the history 🙂.
23 October 2022 - 16:00
Monica says:
27 I have been to, some with quite extensive study, a whole day sometimes🙂 and some several times, Tom Tits I know almost by heart. It is very interesting with all these museums and stimulating in many ways. There is a lot to take in. Very funny that they exist and nowadays they cost the state not as before with admissions. I think they paid for children as well. Don't really remember but they visited them anyway.
23 October 2022 - 20:41
Amanda (Swedish Passport) says:
Oh, such great posts! I have probably managed to tick off most of them - although it is almost shameful that I have never been to the Vasa Museum even though I grew up in Stockholm, hehe.
24 October 2022 - 16:45
Lena+in+Wales+and+Spain says:
Very interesting and inspiring!
Some I have visited. The one that made the most impression on me was probably the Jewish Museum, in its old premises, stayed there for several hours and had interesting conversations.
Best wishes to Lena from Spain!
26 October 2022 - 13:45