Artur Hazelius
– Preserving Swedish Folk Culture at Skansen and the Nordic Museum

Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is well-known for its diverse cultural heritage and captivating museums. Among its many attractions, Skansen and the Nordic Museum stand out as unique institutions that offer insights into Swedish history and culture.

These iconic establishments owe their existence to one exceptional man: Artur Hazelius. This article delves into Hazelius’ life, motivations, and rise to become one of Sweden’s most influential figures in cultural preservation.

Artur Hazelius: His life

Artur Immanuel Hazelius was born in Stockholm on December 30, 1833, and grew up with a strong interest in Swedish culture and history, which would shape much of his life’s work. Hazelius was raised during a period of significant societal and political change in Sweden, and he was profoundly influenced by the growing national consciousness and interest in preserving cultural traditions. He studied philology and history at Uppsala University, where he honed his academic interests and laid the groundwork for his lifelong passion for researching and preserving Sweden’s diverse cultural heritage.

Hazelius’ vision was more than just academic; it was motivated by a desire to preserve the essence of Swedish life and traditions for future generations. He recognized that, as industrialization and modernization began to reshape Sweden, many aspects of rural life, folklore, and regional customs were at risk of disappearing. His goal was to compile a comprehensive record of Swedish culture that could serve as both an educational tool and a living testament to the country’s history.

Hazelius adopted the motto “Känn dig själv” (“Know thyself“), which derived from the Greek oracle at Delphi (“ΓΝΩΘΙ ΣΑΥΤΟΝ”). For Hazelius, these words summed up the essence of his life’s work. To him, “knowing oneself” meant comprehending one’s identity throughout history. He believed that by delving into history, people could gain a better understanding of themselves and their place in society and culture.

Nordic Museum: A celebration of Scandinavian culture.

In the 1870s, Hazelius established the Nordiska Museet (Nordic Museum) in Stockholm, which was one of his most significant contributions to Swedish culture. The museum’s original purpose was to collect and display everyday objects, folk art, and costumes in order to preserve Sweden’s rural and urban material cultures. Hazelius believed that understanding past generations’ objects, tools, and clothing could provide profound insights into their lives, beliefs, and values.

Creating Skansen: The first open-air museum.

In addition to the museum, Hazelius established Skansen in 1891, the world’s first open-air museum. He brought Swedish history to life at Skansen by erecting buildings from various regions of Sweden, creating a vibrant village that celebrated the country’s folk traditions, architecture, and crafts. Skansen was more than just a museum; it was a community of artisans and actors who demonstrated traditional crafts and performances, immersing visitors in the lives of previous generations. Hazelius hoped that Skansen would help modern Swedes connect more deeply with their cultural roots.

Artur Hazelius’s enduring legacy

Beyond his museum and open-air museum projects, Hazelius made significant contributions to Swedish scholarship and cultural preservation. He wrote extensively about Swedish folk traditions, dialects, and customs. He worked tirelessly to ensure that ordinary people’s daily lives, rather than the achievements of the elite, were remembered. Hazelius’ ability to combine scholarly rigor with a strong sense of national pride and cultural identity made his work more accessible and relevant to a broad audience.

Hazelius’ vision of preserving Swedish culture was more than just an academic pursuit; it was a form of cultural conservation in a rapidly changing world. His legacy shapes the museums that he founded. It also fuels a larger movement to preserve the folk traditions, crafts, and stories that are the foundation of Sweden’s national identity. Hazelius’ work contributed to a sense of pride and continuity in Swedish culture, which continues to resonate today.

Explore Skansen and the Nordic Museum

Tourists visiting Stockholm can immerse themselves in Artur Hazelius’ passion and vision by visiting Skansen and the Nordic Museum. Whether wandering through Skansen’s historic buildings or exploring the Nordic Museum’s diverse collections, visitors can gain a better understanding of Swedish history and the man who dedicated his life to preserving it.

When planning your trip to Stockholm, be sure to include these two remarkable institutions on your itinerary. Experience Artur Hazelius’ legacy firsthand and learn about a captivating story that shaped Sweden’s cultural identity.