The National Museum of Stockholm

The National Museum of Stockholm

The Stockholm audio-guided tour leads you before the National Museum, one of the flagship monuments of the Swedish capital. The first art and design museum in Sweden, it has occupied since 1866 an imposing Renaissance-style building, on the Blasieholmen peninsula.

Two centuries of collections

Founded in 1792, the National Museum brings together nearly half a million drawings, paintings, sculptures, porcelains and design objects, covering a timeline from the late Middle Ages to the contemporary era. A large part of the holdings comes from donations by the Swedish nobility, notably King Gustav III and Count Carl Gustaf Tessin. The frescoes of the grand staircase were painted by the artist Carl Larsson.

What there is to see

Over its three floors, the museum presents works by major artists such as Rembrandt, Goya, Renoir and Gauguin, alongside Swedish painting and a rich collection of decorative arts and design. The grand staircase adorned with frescoes and the sumptuous setting of the building are part of the visit. It is an essential stop for anyone interested in art in Sweden.

Practical information

The National Museum is on the Blasieholmen peninsula, in the centre of Stockholm. Access to the permanent collections is often free, while temporary exhibitions may be ticketed; hours vary by day and season. It is best to check the information in advance before visiting.

When was the National Museum of Stockholm founded ?

It was founded in 1792 and installed in its present Renaissance building in 1866; it is the first art and design museum in Sweden.

Which artists can be seen there ?

Works by Rembrandt, Goya, Renoir and Gauguin, alongside Swedish painting and design collections.