The must-see museums of Stockholm

Gamla Stan
The must-see museums  ...

To discover Stockholm in all its facets, there's no better way than visiting its museums. They tell the story of this archipelago in the Baltic Sea, from the Vikings to the present day. You'll be captivated by its legends. You'll delve into the soul of this country, immersing yourself in its customs and traditions. You'll be amazed by the creativity of its artists, inspired by the sea and the ice. Let's embark on a guided tour of Stockholm's best museums!


Museums about Swedish history

This is the story of a country, shaping its character and making it unique. Museums tell you about the major events that have marked the history of this Nordic land, the anecdotes of the past that give it its charm. Place the important dates in their context, locate the major events, put names to iconic Swedish figures... You will discover Stockholm in its broad strokes, as well as its intimate details!

  • The journey through time begins in the era of the Vikings, against a backdrop of Celtic legend, with the "Viking Museum" in Stockholm. This small museum invites you to enter the world of Celtic legends.
  • The “Medeltidsmuseet” (Medieval Museum of Stockholm) is a true step back into the Middle Ages… It’s a very immersive visit.
  • The Stockholm City Museum: a true journey into the heart of the city's history! Read our article dedicated to the Stockholm City Museum.
  • A more formal and comprehensive visit awaits you at the Swedish History Museum. It is very well documented and covers the period from prehistory to the 16th century.
  • The Royal Armouries tells the story of the Swedish royal family through the centuries. The collection of family objects, costumes, furniture, carriages, etc., is very extensive and worth a visit in itself.
  • And to experience life in a castle, head to the Royal Palace. You'll wander through the majestic rooms of this sublime residence, magnificently furnished and decorated. The changing of the guard is one of the highlights of the visit.


The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace

Museums about traditions and old trades

Museums dedicated to life in bygone days, customs, and trades of yesteryear house everyday objects, old tools, archives, and beautiful collector's items. They showcase traditional crafts and skills, allowing you to discover local artisans and immerse yourself in the warm and welcoming Scandinavian culture. You'll step into the very heart of Stockholm!

  • The "Nordiska Museet" showcases furniture, tableware, decorative objects, and even costumes and jewelry. It is probably the most comprehensive collection for discovering local craftsmanship and daily life in Stockholm from the 16th century to the present day.
  • The Vasa Museum is an iconic museum in the Stockholm archipelago. It allows you to admire an authentic 17th century warship and discover Swedish maritime heritage, as well as gain insight into life aboard a ship and work in a shipyard.
  • The Hallwyl Museum is a former family home that has remained untouched since the beginning of the 20th century. There you can admire the fashion of the period in terms of furniture, art and decoration.

the Nordiska

The Nordiska Museet

Museums showcasing art in all its forms

An archipelago of islands in the middle of the Baltic Sea, sometimes dusted with snow or frozen in ice… A colorful and welcoming city, open to Europe and the world… This is sure to inspire many artists! Art museums, from every era, unveil their finest works to make you dream and appreciate the soul of Stockholm.

  • The "National Museum" is one of the must-sees for an overview of Swedish and European art from the Middle Ages to the 20th century.
  • The "ABBA Museet" is a legendary museum for fans of 70s pop music and for anyone else who wants to learn more about this legendary group.
  • The Moderna Museet is an ode to modern art! You'll discover unusual and sometimes extravagant works in a rather classical setting. It houses a permanent collection and constantly features new temporary exhibitions.
  • "Fotografiska" unveils photographic works and amazing montages in a unique atmosphere.

Do you love art? To get around while enjoying beautiful contemporary artworks, take the metro and explore its most beautiful stations, decorated by artists! Read our article on the most beautiful metro stations in Stockholm.


The National Museum in Stockholm
The National Museum in Stockholm
The Moderna Museet
The Moderna Museet
The Fotografiska Museum
The Fotografiska Museum

The Sven-Harry Art Museum is an architectural gem not to be missed. Recognisable by its bold golden brass façade near Vasaparken, this modern building houses a gallery dedicated to contemporary Swedish and international art.


Must-see museums to visit with the family

All museums strive to appeal to the widest possible audience, sparking the curiosity of younger visitors and satisfying the expectations of older ones. However, some areas will undoubtedly be more popular with children than others. For a visit that kids will enjoy, here is our family-friendly selection:

  • The Stockholm Toy Museum is a must-see. It showcases all sorts of toys, from the oldest to the most interactive, as well as comic books. It's the perfect place for family fun and to rediscover your inner child!
  • The "TechniskaMuseet" is a very pleasant experimental space for children and teenagers. You can try out different activities there with the children: scientific experiments on the theme of mining, robotics, and video games.
  • The “Viking Museet” literally immerses you in the world of the Vikings and its miniature train ride is very popular with children.
  • Back to the "Vasa Museet" and its impressive 17th - century warship. It is included in this selection thanks to its children's film, shown daily in French, which allows them to understand everything about life aboard this fabulous ship.
  • The "Vrak Museum" plunges you into the heart of the abyss and shipwrecks, and invites you to discover a new national museum on the island of Djurgården, inaugurated by King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden on September 23, 2021. Read our article about the Vrak Museum.

The Viking Museum
The Viking Museum
The Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum


That concludes our tour of Stockholm's museums. Whatever your area of interest, you're sure to find something to satisfy your curiosity, broaden your horizons, and learn plenty of interesting facts about all these subjects.


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