Blekinge Museum
Blekinge län
Blekinge Museum is a regional museum located in Karlskrona, Sweden, dedicated to preserving and presenting the cultural heritage of Blekinge County. Founded in 1899 by the Blekinge Antiquities Association, the museum operates throughout the county and is housed primarily in the historic Grevagården building, which includes the 1703–1705 Wachtmeister Palace. The museum's collections exceed 60,000 objects and over a million photographs, including one of the country's largest collections of traditional Swedish rural boats and unique archaeological finds such as the medieval shipwreck Gribshunden. It features permanent exhibitions on the naval city of Karlskrona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a recently opened exhibition focusing on Blekinge's Stone and Bronze Age history, showcasing artifacts like an 8,000-year-old dog skeleton from Ljungaviken. The museum also manages an open-air museum in Vämöparken and a public storage facility at Rosenholm. It engages in archaeological research projects in collaboration with Lund University, contributing to the understanding of regional history and heritage. Despite temporary closures due to building damages, parts of the museum have reopened, including a new children's playroom themed around history and the world's oceans, inaugurated in 2025 by Princess Adrienne, Duchess of Blekinge. The museum serves as a cultural forum and educational resource, highlighting Blekinge's Danish past, coastal and archipelago environment, and its significance as Sweden's 'garden.'
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Tip: Visitors are advised to check the museum's official website for current opening hours and temporary closures due to ongoing restoration works. Booking in advance is recommended for school groups and special guided tours. The best time to visit is during the warmer months when the outdoor open-air museum in Vämöparken is accessible. Discounts are typically available for seniors, students, and groups. The museum shop and café offer local crafts and refreshments, enhancing the visitor experience.
Interesting facts
- •Blekinge Museum holds one of Sweden's largest collections of traditional rural boats.
- •The museum's archaeological collection includes artifacts from the medieval shipwreck Gribshunden, a significant find in marine archaeology.
- •An 8,000-year-old dog skeleton discovered near Ljungaviken is part of the museum's Stone Age exhibition.
- •The museum is located in Grevagården, a building complex including the Wachtmeister Palace from the early 18th century.
- •The museum actively collaborates with Lund University on archaeological and historical research projects.
History
Blekinge Museum was founded in 1899 by the Blekinge Antiquities Association and later managed by the Blekinge Museum Association.
In 1929, it merged with the Blekinge Local Heritage Federation to form the Blekinge Museum and Local Heritage Federation.
Since 1972, the museum has been housed in the historic GrevagĂĄrden building in Karlskrona, which includes the 18th-century Wachtmeister Palace.
The museum has continuously expanded its collections and research activities, including archaeological excavations of significant regional sites.
In 2020, the museum temporarily closed parts of its facilities due to structural damages caused by seawater intrusion but has since reopened sections after remediation work.
In 2025, a new history-themed children's playroom was inaugurated by Princess Adrienne, Duchess of Blekinge.
Place Guide
GrevagĂĄrden and Wachtmeister Palace1703-1705
The main museum building complex dating from 1703-1705, showcasing baroque architecture and housing exhibition spaces, a museum shop, a baroque garden, and a literature and archive room related to Blekinge.
Permanent Exhibition on Karlskrona Naval City
An exhibition dedicated to the UNESCO World Heritage naval city of Karlskrona, highlighting its maritime history and strategic importance as Sweden's principal naval base for over 300 years.
Stone and Bronze Age Exhibition 'Back to Prehistory'2024
Opened in June 2024, this exhibition explores Blekinge's prehistoric era, featuring artifacts such as the 8,000-year-old dog skeleton found at Ljungaviken and other archaeological finds from the region.
Open-Air Museum in Vämöparken1910
A historic outdoor museum founded in 1910, displaying traditional buildings and rural life artifacts from Blekinge, often referred to as Blekinge's Skansen.
Magasin Rosenholm
The museum's public storage and collection facility located outside Karlskrona, accessible to the public for viewing and research purposes.
Contact
Phone: 0455-30 49 85