Discover museums of Stockholm

Art at Nationalmuseum

Nationalmuseum is Sweden’s leading museum for art and design, with collections that span from Old Masters and classic portraiture to contemporary design and applied arts. The building itself is part of the experience. Its grand staircases, high ceilings and light-filled galleries create a calm and inspiring environment, with views over the water that connect the art inside to the city outside. The museum is thoughtfully curated, making it easy to move between different periods and expressions at your own pace.

Art at Moderna Museet

Moderna Museet is one of Europe’s leading museums for modern and contemporary art. The collection includes works by artists such as Picasso, Dalí and Matisse, alongside contemporary exhibitions from both Swedish and international artists. The museum’s layout makes it easy to explore at your own pace, with light-filled galleries and spaces that encourage both reflection and curiosity. Plan to spend at least a couple of hours to fully experience both the permanent collection and temporary exhibitions.

ABBA Museum

Another famous attraction is ABBA The Museum, dedicated to Sweden’s internationally famous pop group ABBA. Visitors can explore interactive exhibitions, costumes, music, and the history of the band.

Vasa Museum

Vasa Museum is one of the most visited museums in Scandinavia. The museum displays the Vasa warship, which sank in 1628 and was later recovered from the sea. The ship is almost completely preserved and gives visitors a fascinating look into Swedish naval history.

Skansen

Skansen is both an open-air museum and a zoo. It presents traditional Swedish life through historic buildings, crafts, and cultural celebrations. Visitors can also see Nordic animals such as moose, bears and wolves.

The Royal Palace

For people interested in history and royalty, The Royal Palace includes several museums where visitors can learn about the Swedish monarchy, royal treasures, and historical events.

Tekniska Museet

Tekniska Museet, the National Museum of Science and Technology, is also very popular, especially with families and students. It offers interactive exhibitions about technology, innovation, and the future.

Fotografiska

Another interesting museum is Fotografiska, a world-famous photography museum located in Södermalm. It presents contemporary photography exhibitions from international artists and also has a popular café with views over the city.

Nordiska Museet

Nordiska museet on Djurgården focuses on Swedish cultural history and traditions. Visitors can learn about Swedish fashion, furniture, celebrations, and everyday life throughout history.

Viking Museet

The Viking Museum gives visitors an interactive experience of Viking history and mythology. The museum combines artifacts and storytelling to explain the Viking Age in Scandinavia.

Nobelprismuseet

Nobel Prize Museum is located in Gamla Stan. It tells the story of the Nobel Prize, Alfred Nobel, and famous laureates such as scientists, writers, and peace activists. The museum is interactive and focuses on inspiration and innovation.

Hallwylska museet

The museum of Hallwylska is a well-preserved palace that once belonged to the wealthy Hallwyl family. The museum shows how aristocratic life looked in the late 1800s, with original furniture, art, and personal collections.

A short trip outside of Stockholm City

Artipelag

Outside central Stockholm, Artipelag is a modern art museum surrounded by beautiful nature in the Stockholm archipelago. The museum combines art, architecture, and outdoor experiences, making it a popular destination for day trips.

Millesgården

Another interesting museum outside the city is Millesgården, the former home and sculpture park of the Swedish artist Carl Milles. Visitors can explore impressive sculptures, gardens, and views over Stockholm.

Drottningholms Slott

Drottningholm Palace Theatre Museum near Drottningholm Palace offers insight into royal theatre history and eighteenth-century culture. The palace area itself is also one of Sweden’s most famous historical attractions and the home of the King and the Queen of Sweden.

Birka Vikingastaden

Another unique place is Birka Viking Village, located on the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren. Birka was one of Sweden’s earliest Viking settlements and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can learn about Viking trade, culture, and daily life.

Gripsholms Slott

Outside Stockholm, Gripsholm Castle contains both a historic royal castle and an important portrait museum. The castle is located in the small town of Mariefred and is a popular destination for day trips from Stockholm.

Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet

For science and nature lovers, Swedish Museum of Natural History offers exhibitions about animals, dinosaurs, climate, and space. The museum also includes the famous IMAX dome cinema called Cosmonova.