City Museum of Stockholm – Explore the capital’s history
City Museum of Stockholm (Stadsmuseet) is a rich repository of history housed in the 17th-century Södra Stadshuset. It documents Stockholm’s transformation from a medieval city to a modern capital through exhibits that highlight urban life, governance, and cultural development.
🏛️ A journey through Stockholm’s past
Visitors can explore an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, and photographs. Interactive and multimedia displays offer insights into Stockholm’s diverse population, political milestones, and city planning over centuries.
🕰️ Featured exhibition: New Stockholm—Turn of the century 1900
This exhibition explores how the city evolved from Empire dreams to suburban punk culture. It includes pivotal eras like the rise of folkhemmet (the Swedish welfare state).
👤 Highlight: The Kopparmatte statue
The Kopparmatte (‘Copper Matthew’) statue once stood on the shame pole at Stortorget and symbolizes Stockholm’s harsh early legal system. Made in 1603, the bronze figure holds twigs used in public punishment. Today, he stands inside the City Museum as a stark historical reminder.
📍 Ryssgården: Historic Hub
Originally a Russian trading hub in the 1600s, Ryssgården later hosted military camps and customs buildings. Its evolution mirrors centuries of Sweden’s shifting political landscape. The museum’s setting near Slussen connects past to present amid today’s major urban redevelopment.
🏗️ About the building
Designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder, the building later featured work by his son Tessin the Younger. One hall, the Tessinsalen, once held anatomical dissections witnessed by Carl von Linné in 1729. Fires, renovations, and transformations have left their marks—making the building an architectural exhibit itself.
🧭 Nearby attractions
- Gamla Stan (Old Town): Cobbled alleys and landmarks like the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral.
- The Royal Palace: Explore lavish rooms, state regalia, and the Royal Armory.
- Nobel Prize Museum: Learn about Nobel laureates and innovation through interactive exhibits.
- Fotografiska: Enjoy world-class photography and panoramic views.
- Katarina Elevator (Katarinahissen): Take in sweeping city views from this historic lift near Slussen.
- Stortorget: The main square of Old Town, famous for its history and architecture.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a local, the City Museum of Stockholm offers a rich and layered view of how the capital became what it is today.
Stockholm City Museum
Stadsmuseet
