The City Museum of Stockholm (Stadsmuseet) is a rich repository of historical collections that explore the depths of Stockholm’s municipal history as well as a wider range of cultural heritage exhibits in Sweden.
A fascinating trip through time is provided by this museum, which documents the dynamic development of Stockholm. Its exhibitions offer a glimpse into history, showcasing urban life, traditions, and cultural heritage that shaped the city.
Please note: Slussen is currently under reconstruction, which may result in some limited accessibility to certain areas.
A glimpse into Stockholm’s past
Visitors to the City Museum of Stockholm can immerse themselves in diverse historical collections of artifacts, photographs, documents, and interactive displays. The exhibits tell the comprehensive story of Stockholm’s growth, municipal governance, and the cultural mosaic that defines Stockholm. It offers a unique chance to discover the city’s heritage and achievements while understanding Sweden’s cultural legacy.
New Stockholm—Turn of the Century 1900
The museum’s new exhibition, “New Stockholm—Turn of the Century 1900,” explores the city’s history from “Empire Dreams” to “suburban punk rockers,” including folkhemmet (the Swedish welfare state).
Kopparmatte
The Kopparmatte statue (‘Copper Matthew’) portrays a stern man wielding a whip, serving as a stark reminder of the brutal punishments meted out to Stockholmers who violated the law.
From 1603 to 1776, the Kopparmatte statue stood atop the skampålen, or “shame pole,” in the heart of Stortorget, Gamla Stan, epitomizing the era’s harsh legal enforcement. The original sculpture, crafted by Marcus Kopparslagare in 1603, features a bronze figure holding a bundle of twigs (“ris” in Swedish) in his right hand, symbolizing the punitive measures of the time. Today, the statue resides at the Stockholm City Museum, where it represents a part of the city’s history.
About the area: Ryssgården (Slussen)
Ryssgården, historically a Russian trade hub established in 1641, reflects Sweden-Russia’s complex ties. Russian merchants stored furs, wax, and timber here under a 1618 treaty granting reciprocal trade privileges. During the Great Northern War (1700–1721), it became a military camp. Fires in 1680, 1694, and 1759 reshaped its use, later serving as a warehouse, customs house, and prison.
By the 1870s, the Sammanbindningsbanan railway traversed the area, later replaced by the metro station (1950). Today, it houses Stockholm’s City Museum in the Södra stadshuset, a 1680 building with a history of witch trials and Bellman-era taverns. In essence, the site’s evolution—from trade center to cultural landmark—mirrors centuries of geopolitical shifts and urban development.
About the building of the City Museum
Södra stadshuset, now home to Stockholm’s City Museum, began as a Russian trade hub in the late 17th century. Designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder (1663–1680), this neoclassical building initially housed a customs house and warehouse for Russian goods like furs and wax.
A devastating fire in 1680 led to renovations under Tessin the Younger, adding features like the Tessinsalen—later used for anatomical dissections witnessed by Carl von Linné in 1729.
Over centuries, it served as a prison, court, and even a military camp during the Great Northern War (1700–1721). By the 1930s, the building was repurposed as a museum, opening in 1937 after major renovations. The sunken look from Slussen construction contrasts its rich history, blending architectural legacy and modern preservation.
Conclusion
The City Museum of Stockholm embodies the city’s historical legacy, housed in the Södra Stadshuset at Ryssgården—a site steeped in trade and cultural exchange. Slussen reconstruction limits access, but curated exhibits showcase Stockholm’s evolution from medieval governance to modern urban life.
A must-visit, it bridges past and present, celebrating Sweden’s cultural heritage through artifacts, photographs, and immersive displays.
Other attractions near the City Museum of Stockholm
- Gamla Stan (Old Town)
Cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings, and important landmarks like the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral abound on this historic island. - The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet)
One of the biggest palaces in Europe, it offers guided tours of its lavish rooms and the Royal Armory, which is filled with historical artifacts and state regalia. - Nobel Prize Museum
Through interactive exhibits, this museum in Gamla Stan highlights the history of the Nobel Prize and the accomplishments of its laureates. - Fotografiska
- It is a contemporary photography museum that features rotating exhibitions by world-renowned photographers. It also has a café offering panoramic views of the city.
- Katarina Elevator (Katarinahissen)
A breathtaking view of Stockholm and its archipelago can be seen from the top of this historic elevator. It’s a short walk from Slussen. - Stortorget
The main square in Gamla Stan is known for its vibrant buildings, historical significance, and the annual Christmas market.
These attractions provide a mix of historical, cultural, and scenic experiences, all within proximity to the City Museum of Stockholm.
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