The Hallwyl Museum (Hallwylska museet) offers a glimpse into the life of Swedish aristocracy from the turn of the 20th century.
The museum itself is the former private residence of Count and Countess Walther and Wilhelmina von Hallwyl. The building, which was constructed between 1893 and 1898, offers a rare and well-preserved look into the lavish lifestyle of the Swedish aristocracy, with an extensive collection of art, antiques, and everyday items from the period.
Art Collections and Architecture
The many rooms exhibit an impressive collection of European art, furniture, porcelain, silverware, and other decorative arts. The collection includes personal items of the von Hallwyl family, providing intimate insights into their daily lives and interests.
The rooms are meticulously preserved and decorated, allowing visitors to see the luxuriant interiors as they were at the turn of the century. Highlights include the grand salon, dining room, library, and billiard room.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions that delve into various aspects of life during the period or explore themes related to the Hallwyl collection.
The interiors are lavishly decorated, with each room reflecting the extravagant tastes of the von Hallwyls. Visitors can admire intricate woodwork, luxurious fabrics, and period furnishings.
The house is equipped with some of the most modern conveniences of its time, including central heating, electric lighting, and an early form of a vacuum cleaner, all of which are preserved and on display.
Facilities and services
The museum offers guided tours in both English and Swedish, where you’ll learn about the collections and the history of the house and the Hallwyl family.
Audio guides are available in multiple languages for visitors who prefer to explore at their own pace.
If you’re unable to physically visit the museum, they also offer digital tours of the museum on-demand, where you can participate via a computer or smartphone.
There is a gift shop offering a range of items related to the museum’s collections, including books, postcards, and souvenirs.
There is a restaurant in the courtyard, you don’t need to visit the museum to eat at the restaurant.
Visitor information
The museum is located in a very central spot near Kungsträdgården. This makes it easily accessible and close to other attractions.
It has a total of five floors and no elevator, so you will need to use the stairs. But it’s not as bad as it may sound. There is no need to visit all five floors to get a great experience and you will do the majority of the walking while strolling through the rooms on the floors you choose to visit. If you take the guided tour that will cover at least 103 steps up and down. For more details check out the museum’s very detailed guide on accessibility: https://hallwylskamuseet.se/en/visit-us/accessibility/
| Facts | |
| Opening Hours | – The Hallwyl Museum is typically open from Tuesday to Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm. – Note: We recommend to check the official website for the most current hours and any special closures: https://hallwylskamuseet.se/en/visit-us/opening-hours/ |
| Getting there | – Address: Hamngatan 4 – Closest subway stations are Östermalstorg (exit towards Birger Jarls gatan) or Kungsträdgården (exit towards Arsenalsgatan). – But you can also walk from T-centralen, which will take about 10 minutes. |
| Time needed | – The tour is around 50 minutes. – If you explore on your own we would recommend to plan for at least one hour, but up to 1.5 to 2 hours if you want to see the temporary exhibitions as well. |
| Photo spots | All rooms are gorgeous, but the dining room, the armory, and the porcelain room can be specifically interesting for taking photos. |
| Tips | – Good to know about accessibility: https://hallwylskamuseet.se/en/visit-us/accessibility/ – The Hallwyl Museum has an excellent website. You can even explore some of the rooms online on: https://hallwylskamuseet.se/en/visit-us/visit-at-your-own-pace/ – Read more about your visit: https://hallwylskamuseet.se/en/about-us/plan-your-visit/ |
| Photography tips | – If you’re using a camera with an interchangeable lens we recommend bringing a fast lens to avoid cranking up the ISO. – You’ll probably want a wide lens (e.g. 24 or 35mm), you can also get by with a standard focal length (around 50mm) but there’s not always enough room to backup, so some shots will be too tight. – A macro lens would also be interesting as there are many interesting details. |
| Highlights | – A well-preserved aristocratic home offering a unique glimpse into late 19th and early 20th-century life. – Diverse and meticulously documented collection of art, antiques, and cultural artifacts. – Stunning interiors and historical architecture, blending historical revivalism with modern conveniences of the time. |
| Prices | – Regular admission: 120 SEK – Free admission up to 18 years of age – With reservation for changes, please visit the Hallwyl Museum’s admission and tickets page: https://hallwylskamuseet.se/en/visit-us/admissions-and-tickets/ |
| Food nearby | – Hallwylska Restaurang at the couryard in the same building. – Misshumasshu – Berns Asiatiska – Pas D’art – Chez Jolie |
| Useful links | – Guided tours – For digital tours, see section “Digital tours on-demand” on the museum’s Guided Tours page. – Audio guides – Gift shop |
| Website | https://hallwylskamuseet.se/en/ |