Visit Medeltidsmuseet, Stockholm’s museum of medieval life, where history comes alive through artifacts, reconstructions, and immersive exhibits. Explore daily life, crafts, and culture from the Middle Ages—plus rotating exhibitions and special events.
Museum of Medieval Stockholm Now Closed: Sunday 5 November 2023 was the last opportunity to visit the Museum of Medieval Stockholm under the Norrbro bridge on the island of Helgeandsholmen. After that date, the museum’s collections were packed away in preparation for the move to its future home in Börshuset on Stortorget, the main square in the Old Town. While the physical museum is closed, activities continue in the form of city walks, guided tours of historical areas in the Old Town, digital tours, lectures, and school visits. The museum may also occasionally host exhibitions in other locations.
The Museum of Medieval Stockholm, also known as Stockholms medeltidsmuseum in Swedish, is in Stockholm, Sweden. It is a museum that showcases the city’s medieval history. The museum stands on the site of the old Stockholm city walls, near the Riddarholm Church and the Royal Palace.
The museum has a collection of artifacts and displays. These illustrate life in Stockholm during the Middle Ages, from the 13th to the 16th century. Visitors can see items such as tools, weapons, jewelry, and clothing. They can also learn about the daily life of ordinary people and the city’s social and political structures.
One of the museum’s highlights is its exhibit of a medieval street’s remains, discovered during the site’s excavation in the 1970s. The museum has preserved the street, now part of its exhibits. Visitors can walk on the same cobblestones that medieval Stockholmers used over 500 years ago.
The museum provides a unique insight into the history of Stockholm and is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Stockholm Medieval Museum, entrance. Photo by Stadsmuseet. (CC BY-SA 4.0)Stockholm Medieval Museum, entrance. Photo by Jim G. (CC BY 2.0)Museum of Medieval Stockholm in August 2019. Photo by BugWarp. (CC BY-SA 4.0)Medeltidsmuseet, Strömparterren, Stockholm, Sweden. Reconstruction of a medieval town with pub. Photo by Otter. (CC BY-SA 4.0)The runestone Sö 274. The stone stands at the Museum of Medieval Stockholm. Photo by Jssfrk. (CC BY-SA 4.0)The Museum of Medieval Stockholm. Photo by Medeltidsmuseet. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
How the museum was excavated, 1978-80
The Museum of Medieval Stockholm was created in 1986. However, its origins can be traced back to the early 1970s, when excavations were carried out in the area around the Riddarholm Church, revealing many important artifacts and structures from Stockholm’s medieval history. The idea to create a museum to showcase these discoveries emerged. After many years of planning and construction, the Museum of Medieval Stockholm officially opened to the public in 1986.
Riksgropen ("The national trench), excavation at Helgeandsholmen 1978-1980. Photo by Riksantikvarieämbetet. (CC BY-SA 4.0)Excavations in front of the Swedish Parliament House in 1978, 'The National Trench' (Riksgropen). Photo by Holger.Ellgaard. (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Since then, visitors from all over the world, interested in Stockholm’s rich medieval heritage, have flocked to the museum, making it an important cultural institution in the city.
Conclusion
As we bid farewell to the Museum of Medieval Stockholm under the Norrbro bridge, we reflect on its decades-long journey. It brought medieval history to life for countless visitors. The museum’s collection of artifacts, from tools and weapons to jewelry and clothing, offered a rich experience. The preserved medieval street gave an unparalleled glimpse into the lives of Stockholm’s residents from the 13th to the 16th century. The physical museum will close its doors on 5 November 2023. However, its spirit and educational mission will continue through city walks, guided tours, digital experiences, lectures, and school visits.
The Museum of Medieval Stockholm
Medeltidsmuseet
