Gothenburg’s essential museums

Housed in the former home of the Swedish East India Company, the Göteborgs Stadsmuseum (Museum of Gothenburg) is instantly recognisable along the city’s canals. The museum is dedicated to chronicling the evolution of life in Sweden, from prehistoric times through modern. From fashion to music and from ancient Viking adventures to industrial innovations, it’s a place where art and history coexist. 

With the iconic Poseidon fountain welcoming visitors to its cavernous halls, Göteborgs Konstmuseum (Gothenburg Museum of Art) is the centrepiece of the city’s arts district. The museum displays works by world-famous masters such as Picasso, van Gough and Rembrandt, plus renowned Swedish artists and others. Its wealth of paintings, sculptures, tapestries and more have earned it praise as one of the best collections of art in Northern Europe. Whether you spend an hour or a day, it’s a must-see for any art lover. 

Conveniently located on a hill above Slottsskogen park, Göteborgs Naturhistoriska Museum (Natural History Museum) features a wide array of preserved animals from across 3.8 million years of planetary evolution. Here you’ll find fossilised dinosaur skeletons along with creatures big and small from the oceans, savannas and mountains of the world. It’s also home to one of Gothenburg’s most famous residents: A 16-meter, stuffed whale calf. 

Science comes alive at Universeum. Visitors can brave rope bridges to explore a multi-floor indoor rainforest complete with monkeys and toucans, or visit an astounding aquarium where sharks swim through transparent tanks overhead. The hands-on museum also features interactive displays dedicated to space exploration, health and more. It’s an experience so fun that you might forget you’ve spent a whole day learning: part zoo, part lab, part playground and all amazing. 

World of Volvo is located in the heart of Gothenburg’s new event district. It is an experience centre with unique Scandinavian architecture spanning 22,000 m2. Welcome to an experience where Volvo takes you on a journey through time and into the future. Discover developments in culture, design and technology. Here, you do not just see our iconic vehicles. You also experience how people are at the centre of everything we do. Discover our care for people, society and the world. From pioneering safety innovations to the latest technological advances. Experience Volvo through an exciting blend of digital and physical experiences.

The Maritiman museum offers a unique, interactive way to explore its impact the sea and maritime culture have on the city – and the city’s impact on the water. In this “living museum” on the city’s iconic waterfront, you can explore the interior of a submarine, climb onboard a destroyer and more – all while learning about the history of life at sea in Scandinavia. All aboard for fun, education and a unique way to bring history to life. 

Gothenburg is a global community, and Världskulturmuseerna (Museum of World Culture) offers a way to explore and celebrate the contributions and traditions of people from around the world. Located in a gorgeous modern facility near Liseberg, the museum often supplements its exhibitions with festivals, music, food and more, offering a unique way to immerse yourself into cultures while learning about their impacts and influences on the region.