8 July , 2025
10.8 C
Stockholm

Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum
– Explore Sweden’s Ceramics and Design Legacy by the Sea

HomeMuseums & Attractions in StockholmArt & Design MuseumsGustavsberg Porcelain Museum: Sweden’s Ceramic Design Legacy
💡 Summary
Explore the Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum — a design lover’s destination just outside Stockholm. With over 10,000 objects, it showcases iconic Swedish designers, timeless craftsmanship, and centuries of ceramic innovation that shaped daily life and artistic culture.

A timeless showcase of Swedish ceramic artistry

Located just east of Stockholm in the scenic town of Gustavsberg, 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.

See also  Snus and Match Museum: Sweden’s Smoking & Striking History at Skansen

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

English The Gustavsberg Porcelain Museum

Swedish 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.
🅿️Parking is available in Gustavsberg Harbor near the museum and at the Iittala Outlet. Accessible parking is located directly in front of the museum.
Other Info
ℹ️Explore Sweden’s rich porcelain history through exhibitions and hands-on workshops.

Attractions nearby

Places to stay in the area

StockholmMuseum Map

🖼 130+ Museums & Attractions  |  🧒 Family-Friendly  |  📍 Citywide Locations

Don’t miss these reads

Gamla Stan: Stockholm’s Timeless Heart

Wander Gamla Stan’s cobbled streets and medieval squares—Stockholm’s Old Town alive with charm, legends, and living history.

Artur Hazelius: Founder of Skansen & Nordic Museum

Discover Skansen and the Nordic Museum in Stockholm—founded by Artur Hazelius to preserve Sweden’s folk traditions during a time of change.

Birka: Sweden’s First Viking City & UNESCO Site

Journey to Birka on Björkö Island, a key Viking Age trading post founded around 750 AD. Once a gateway between the Baltic and the world, it now offers rich archaeological sites and insight into Sweden’s early cultural and economic roots.

Skokloster Castle: The Mystery of the Unfinished Hall

Step into the Unfinished Hall at Skokloster Castle—an untouched 17th-century chamber frozen mid-construction, full of history and intrigue.