23 May , 2025
7.4 C
Stockholm

Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum
– Swedish Ceramics and Design Legacy by the Sea

💡 Summary
Explore the Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum — a design lover’s destination just outside Stockholm. With over 10,000 porcelain objects, the museum showcases iconic Swedish designers, timeless craftsmanship, and centuries of ceramic innovation that shaped everyday life and artistic culture.

A timeless showcase of Swedish ceramic artistry

Located just east of Stockholm in the scenic town of Gustavsberg just east of Stockholm, the Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum (Gustavsbergs Porslinsmuseum) showcases the timeless elegance, innovation, and craftsmanship of Swedish porcelain. This iconic museum is a must-visit destination for lovers of design, history, and Scandinavian aesthetics.

With a permanent collection of over 10,000 objects, the museum provides a fascinating window into the legacy of the Gustavsberg porcelain factory. Visitors can explore a wide range of works—from functional tableware to decorative figurines and stunning art pieces that span generations of design evolution.

Founded in the 1800s, the Gustavsberg porcelain brand became synonymous with quality and style. Today, the museum preserves that heritage while inspiring new generations through curated exhibitions and educational experiences.

History of Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum

Established in 1827, the Gustavsberg porcelain factory quickly gained renown for its high-quality ceramics. Located in the coastal town of Gustavsberg, the factory specialized in producing elegant dinnerware, ornamental pieces, and later, sanitary ceramics like sinks, bathtubs, and toilets. This expansion into sanitary ware in the late 19th century solidified Gustavsberg’s role as a leading manufacturer in Europe.

The museum chronicles this transformation through immersive displays and beautifully preserved porcelain artifacts, offering insight into both the artistic and industrial facets of the factory’s evolution.

🎨 Crafting everyday beauty since the 1800s
Nestled in the heart of Gustavsberg, the Porcelain Museum celebrates over 170 years of ceramic excellence. Once the home of Sweden’s most renowned porcelain factory, the museum showcases iconic designs that shaped homes across generations — from delicate dinnerware to bold modernist forms. Visitors can explore the artistry, innovation, and industrial legacy behind each piece, gaining insight into how Gustavsberg porcelain became a staple of Swedish design and a global collector’s treasure.

20th century: Innovation and artistic collaboration

The 20th century marked a golden era for Gustavsberg, characterized by creative experimentation and partnerships with legendary artists. In the 1930s, Wilhelm Kåge brought a bold Art Deco flair to the brand. Later, designers such as Stig Lindberg and Lisa Larson introduced playful figurines and expressive forms that remain beloved by collectors today.

In 1992, Gustavsberg joined the Finnish ceramics giant Arabia, later merging into the Iittala Group alongside Rörstrand. While large-scale production has slowed, Gustavsberg continues to produce limited-edition pieces that reflect its design-forward heritage and artistic collaborations.

Visitor information

  • 🕰️ Opening Hours:
    • Friday–Sunday: 11:00 AM–4:00 PM
    • Monday–Thursday: Closed
  • 📍 Address: Odelbergs väg 5, 134 40 Gustavsberg
  • 🚶‍♀️ Getting There: Accessible by SL bus from Slussen (bus 474). The museum is located in the historic porcelain factory area by the harbor.
  • 🔍 What to Expect: Exhibitions on historic and contemporary porcelain, artist collaborations, and a deep dive into Sweden’s ceramic design heritage.
  • 🎟️ Admission: Entrance fee applies. Youth under 20 enter free.
  • 🎧 Guided Tours: Explore independently with the Nationalmuseum Visitor Guide App, available for download.

Attraction Info

The Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum
Gustavsbergs Porslinsmuseum

Address

Odelbergs väg 5
Gustavsberg

Contact

+46 (0)8-519 543 00
https://gustavsbergsporslinsmuseum.se/en/
info@gustavsbergsporslinsmuseum.se

Getting there

474 towards Hemmesta or Mölnvik (stop Vattenhjulet) + a few minutes walk.
Take Road 222 towards Gustavsberg, after approximately 20 km take the exit towards Gustavsberg. After approximately 2 km, turn left at Farstaviken. Travel time from Slussen is approximately 20 minutes. Parking is available in Gustavsberg Harbor near the museum and at the Iittala Outlet. Accessible parking is available in front of the museum.

Attractions nearby

Places to stay in the area

StockholmMuseum Map

Don’t miss these reads

The Museum of Medieval Stockholm

Visit Medeltidsmuseet, Stockholm’s museum of medieval life, where the city’s past comes alive through artifacts, reconstructions, and hands-on exhibits. Explore daily life, crafts, and culture from the Middle Ages, complemented by rotating exhibitions and special events.

Biologiska Museet

Discover Biologiska Museet on Djurgården, where Scandinavian wildlife is captured in lifelike dioramas. Designed by Agi Lindegren in 1893, this architectural gem is currently under renovation—set to reopen with fresh exhibits and inspiring educational experiences.

Royal Swedish Opera

Step into the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm’s Norrmalm, a cultural icon since 1773. With grand architecture and world-class opera and ballet, it remains the beating heart of Sweden’s performing arts scene—a must-visit for lovers of music, history, and elegance.

Chinese Pavilion at Drottningholm

Nestled in Drottningholm Palace Park, the Chinese Pavilion is an 18th-century jewel of chinoiserie. Built in 1753 for Queen Lovisa Ulrika, it blends Rococo elegance with Eastern motifs—revealing Sweden’s historical fascination with Asian art and culture in royal design.

Fotografiska Stockholm

Explore Fotografiska in Södermalm, Stockholm’s iconic photography museum. Set in a historic waterfront building, it hosts dynamic exhibitions, workshops, and talks. Enjoy world-class visual art and panoramic skyline views—where creativity meets cultural inspiration.

Sabbatsberg Church

Discover Sabbatsberg Church in Stockholm, a tranquil retreat amidst the city's vibrant streets. This historic wooden church, originally built in 1717, offers a serene glimpse into Stockholm's spiritual past. Explore nearby attractions like Vasaparken and Stockholm Public Library.