Nestled in Stockholm’s historic Gamla Stan, the Postmuseum showcases Sweden’s postal history in a 17th-century building that once housed the nation’s first post office.
Reopened in 2024 after renovations, it features interactive exhibits like POST (tracing 400 years of communication) and POSTIS (playful postal adventures for kids). Discover rare stamps, try on uniforms, and explore the Treasure Chamber with philatelic gems. A perfect blend of history and family fun in a charming Gamla Stan setting.
A historic setting
The museum is situated in the Penelope block in Gamla Stan, home to Sweden’s first post office since 1720. The recent renovations have fortified the foundation, ensuring that this architectural marvel stands strong for generations to come. As you explore the museum, you walk corridors steeped in centuries of history.
Immersive exhibitions
The POST exhibition at Stockholm’s Postmuseum immerses visitors in 400 years of postal history through dynamic, interactive displays. Highlights include singing mailboxes, talking artifacts, and postal uniforms to try on, blending education with playful engagement. “It’s a tribute to those who enabled communication across distances—and those who eagerly awaited their mail,” notes museum director Malin Valentin. A vibrant celebration of postal heritage for all ages.
Family-friendly fun
For families with children, the new play exhibition POSTIS is a must-visit. Here, kids can sort packages, deliver letters, and become little postal heroes themselves. This interactive space lets even the youngest visitors join the postal adventure hands-on and playfully.
Special exhibitions at the Postmuseum
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum also features a temporary photo exhibition. It offers a dual perspective on the postal system. Andy Allen-Olivar, a contemporary photographer and postal enthusiast, is the artist. He uses a pinhole camera inside a package to capture the postal system in Gothenburg. Nils Johansson, a postman and photographer who began his career in the 1940s, captured his colleagues’ daily routines through his lens, blending his passion for work and artistry. These exhibits provide a unique, visual narrative that complements the historical displays.
Culinary delights await
No visit is complete without a stop at Restaurant AVI, operated by renowned chefs Claes Bilock and Oscar Strömdahl. Whether you’re visiting the museum or just in the area, AVI offers a delightful menu for lunch and fika (a Swedish coffee break), making it a perfect spot to relax and refuel.
Other attractions nearby
- The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet): Just a short walk from the Postmuseum, the Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe. Visitors can explore the royal apartments, the Treasury, and the Museum of Antiquities.
- Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral): Also known as the Great Church, this historic cathedral features Gothic architecture and houses the famous statue of Saint George and the Dragon.
- Nobel Prize Museum: Located in the heart of Gamla Stan, this museum is dedicated to the Nobel Prize and its laureates. It offers interactive exhibits and detailed information about the prestigious award’s history.
- Swedish Parliament House (Riksdagshuset): Situated on the island of Helgeandsholmen, the Parliament House offers guided tours where you can learn about Swedish politics and history, all within a striking architectural setting.
- The Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities (Medelhavsmuseet): A short distance from Gamla Stan, this museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
- Skeppsholmen Island: Just a bridge away from Gamla Stan, Skeppsholmen offers several cultural attractions, including the Moderna Museet (Museum of Modern Art) and the ArkDes (Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design).
- Mårten Trotzigs Gränd: Known as the narrowest alley in Stockholm, this picturesque pathway in Gamla Stan is a fun spot for taking photos and experiencing the old-world charm of the city.
- The House of Nobility (Riddarhuset): This historic building showcases the history and heritage of the Swedish nobility with its magnificent architecture and detailed interior.
- Riddarholm Church (Riddarholmskyrkan): Just a short walk from the Royal Palace, this stunningly beautiful medieval church is home to many Swedish monarchs.
