Nordic Museum: reviews, price and practical tips

Visiting the Nordic Museum

The Nordic Museum, which locals call Nordiska Museet, sits on the island of Djurgården. It is located in the eastern part of Stockholm. This island is a popular destination that also houses various embassies and institutions. It is a major tourism hub, bringing together museums, a zoo, and an amusement park.

History

The museum was founded in 1873 by folklorist Arthur Hazelius. At its inception, it was a massive project comprising two distinct exhibitions. Today, the second exhibition has become the open-air museum Skansen. Initially, this exhibition was titled the Scandinavian Ethnographic Collection, but the founder eventually had to limit his scope to Sweden alone.

The project did not initially receive the expected support from Swedish authorities, but private donations allowed the work to move forward. By 1900, the society for the promotion of the Nordic Museum had more than 5,200 members. The Swedish parliament, known as the Riksdag, finally decided to allocate funding to the museum in 1891, and then doubled that amount in 1900.

The Nordic Museum

The building itself is visually striking. Designed by Isak Gustaf Clason, it is heavily inspired by Danish Renaissance architecture. The original plans were far more ambitious, and the structure was intended to be four times larger, but economic realities forced these design changes. Even so, the building is worth the trip for its unique style and its massive main hall, which stretches 126 meters in length.

This museum showcases aspects of Swedish society and daily life across different eras. These themes are explored from several angles. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, such as handicrafts, traditions, food, toys, and clothing.

You cannot visit Stockholm without a detour to the island of Djurgården. Since the museum is located there, it would be a shame to miss such a significant and intriguing location.