A must-see for lovers of art and culture. The National Museum (Nationalmuseum) is one of Sweden’s most important cultural institutions, with a large collection of paintings and sculptures from the 16th century up to the 20th century.
The museum was founded in 1792 and is one of the oldest art museums in Europe. The current building, designed by the German architect Friedrich August Stüler, was completed in 1866. It is built in the style of Renaissance Revival architecture, featuring grand halls, ornate ceilings, and beautiful interiors.
The museum is located on the peninsula Blasieholmen in central Stockholm, overlooking the harbor. The building underwent an extensive renovation from 2013 to 2018, which modernized the facilities, improved accessibility, and restored many of the building’s historic features. The renovation also expanded the exhibition space and enhanced the visitor experience.
The National Museum’s permanent exhibitions showcase a wide range of artworks and artifacts from its extensive collection. These exhibitions are organized thematically and chronologically, allowing visitors to explore the history of art and design. The museum also has an extensive collection of decorative arts and design, including ceramics, textiles, furniture, glass, and metalwork. This collection highlights the development of Swedish and European design from the Renaissance to modern times.
| Time needed | 2 hours to see most of the permanent exhibition |
| Photo spots | – The main hall, with its beautiful staircase and elegant arches – The sculpture hall, with opportunity to snap photos with sculptures in dramatic angles and compositions – The galleries with paintings by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens and Anders Zorn |
| Tips | – Bags larger than 40x38x36 cm are not allowed in the museum. Leave your bags at the lockers on the ground floor. – Download the audio guide available as a mobile app for iPhone and Android. – Read more about how to prepare for your visit: https://www.nationalmuseum.se/en/visit/prepare-your-visit |
| Highlights | – Several works by Rembrandt, such as the oil painting The Conspiracy of Claudius Civilis – Several works by Rubens, among others Worship of Venus – Works in both oils and watercolors, by Anders Zorn – Swedish glass and ceramics pieces from historical period and up to modern times |
| Prices | – Entrance: 160 SEK – Entrance during the last 80 min before closing: 80 SEK |
| Food nearby | – There is a restaurant inside of the museum serving a mix of Swedish and European dishes – Matbaren Mathias Dahlgren, inside Grand Hotel – Brasserie Makalös |
| Website | https://www.nationalmuseum.se/en/ |