Unveiling Stockholm art scene: a museum lover’s paradise

Stockholm, the captivating capital of Sweden, is renowned for its rich artistic and cultural heritage. From world-class museums showcasing masterpieces of art and design to interactive exhibitions that ignite the imagination, Stockholm offers a cultural tapestry that will captivate travellers of all interests.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a memorable cultural experience, Stockholm has something to offer everyone. Explore the fascinating world of the Vikings, delve into the history of Swedish design, or immerse yourself in the captivating world of photography.

The best museums to visit in Stockholm

Stockholm is a city that seamlessly blends its rich history with a modern and vibrant cultural scene. This captivating fusion is best experienced through its exceptional museums and art galleries. Here’s a carefully curated selection of the best museums in Stockholm that you should definitely add to your itinerary:

1. Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet)

The Vasa Museum is dedicated to the preserved 17th-century warship Vasa, which capsized and sank in Stockholm in 1628. This museum tells the captivating story of the ship’s ill-fated maiden voyage, its salvage, and its eventual restoration.

Important information:

• Location and opening hours: Galärvarvsvägen 14, Djurgården. Open daily, with varying hours depending on the season.
• Main collection and highlights: The Vasa ship itself is the centerpiece, but the museum also houses exhibitions on shipbuilding, naval history, and life in 17th-century Sweden.
• Must-sees: The Vasa ship, the exhibitions on the ship’s construction and sinking, and the film about the Vasa’s history.
• Visit duration: Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the museum.
• Price and free admission times: Admission fees apply, with discounts for students and seniors. Children under 18 enter for free.

2. Skansen

Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum, showcasing Swedish history and culture from the 18th century to the present day. It features over 150 traditional houses and farmsteads from different parts of Sweden, inhabited by costumed guides who demonstrate traditional crafts and activities.

Important information:

• Location and opening hours: Djurgårdsslätten 49-51. Open year-round, with varying hours depending on the season.
• Main collection and highlights: The open-air museum with its historic buildings, the Skansen Aquarium, and the Nordic Museum, which houses a collection of Swedish cultural history.
• Must-sees: The traditional houses and farmsteads, the Skansen Aquarium, and the Nordic Museum.
• Visit duration: Allow a full day to explore Skansen and its many attractions.
• Price and free admission times: Admission fees apply, with discounts for students and seniors. Children under 6 enter for free.

3. Fotografiska

Fotografiska is one of the world’s largest museums dedicated to contemporary photography. It hosts a diverse range of exhibitions featuring both established and emerging photographers from around the globe.

Important information:

• Location and opening hours: Stadsgårdshamnen 22. Open daily, with extended hours on weekends.
• Main collection and highlights: Fotografiska does not have a permanent collection, but instead presents a constantly changing program of exhibitions.
• Must-sees: Check the museum’s website for current and upcoming exhibitions.
• Visit duration: Allow 1-2 hours to explore the current exhibitions.
• Price and free admission times: Admission fees apply, with discounts for students and seniors. Children under 12 enter for free.

4. The Viking Museum

The Viking Museum offers a captivating journey back in time to the age of the Vikings. Through interactive exhibits, archaeological artifacts, and reconstructed Viking environments, visitors can immerse themselves in the history and culture of these legendary seafarers.

Important information:

• Location and opening hours: Galärvarvsvägen 14, Djurgården. Open daily, with varying hours depending on the season.
• Main collection and highlights: The museum features Viking ships, weapons, tools, and everyday objects, as well as interactive exhibits that bring the Viking Age to life.
• Must-sees: The Viking Age exhibition, the Ragnfrid’s Saga Viking Ride, and the museum shop.
• Visit duration: Allow 1-2 hours to explore the museum.
• Price and free admission times: Admission fees apply, with discounts for students and seniors. Children under 7 enter for free.

5. ABBA The Museum

ABBA The Museum is a must-visit for fans of the iconic Swedish pop group. This interactive museum allows visitors to experience the music, life, and legacy of ABBA through immersive exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive experiences.

Important information:

• Location and opening hours: Djurgårdsvägen 68. Open daily, with varying hours depending on the season.
• Main collection and highlights: The museum features stage costumes, instruments, handwritten lyrics, and personal belongings of the band members, as well as interactive exhibits that allow visitors to sing and dance along to ABBA’s greatest hits.
• Must-sees: The ABBA Gold Room, the Polar Studio experience, and the interactive karaoke booths.
• Visit duration: Allow at least 2 hours to fully experience the museum.
• Price and free admission times: Admission fees apply, with discounts for students and seniors. Children under 6 enter for free.

Book your flight with Opodo

Ready to immerse yourself in the captivating art and culture of this Scandinavian city? Book your flight to Stockholm with Opodo today and let us help you plan an unforgettable cultural adventure in the heart of Scandinavia!