Gustavianum
Uppsala län
Gustavianum, located in Uppsala, Sweden, is the oldest surviving building of Uppsala University, constructed in the 1620s. It stands opposite Uppsala Cathedral in the Fjärdingen district and currently functions as the university museum. The building incorporates medieval walls from the former Archbishop's residence and was originally designed to accommodate lecture halls, a student dining hall, and a printing press. One of its most distinctive features is the Anatomical Theatre, built between 1662 and 1663 by Professor Olof Rudbeck the Elder for public dissections, notable for its elevated dome with multiple windows that allowed natural light for detailed viewing. The theatre could hold up to 200 standing spectators and was considered one of Europe's finest of its kind. Gustavianum also hosts six permanent exhibitions, including collections of art, Egyptian antiquities, coins, university and scientific history, and Viking Age artifacts from nearby boat graves. The museum was inaugurated in 1997 and is part of Sweden's cultural canon since 2025. After a closure for repairs, it reopened in June 2024. Gustavianum offers visitors a rich insight into the intellectual and cultural heritage of Sweden's oldest university, blending historical architecture with diverse academic collections.
Pianifica il tuo viaggio in Svezia con l'IA
Crea un itinerario dettagliato in pochi minuti. L'IA suggerisce i migliori luoghi, ristoranti e un percorso ottimizzato.
Consiglio: Visit Gustavianum during weekdays in spring or early summer for a less crowded experience. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for special events or guided tours. The museum offers discounts for students and seniors. Check the official website for current opening hours and any temporary exhibitions or concerts held in the Anatomical Theatre.
Fatti interessanti
- •The Anatomical Theatre in Gustavianum was one of the first of its kind in Europe and could accommodate 200 standing spectators for public dissections.
- •Gustavianum includes medieval wall structures from the former Archbishop's residence on its site.
- •The building was the main university building until 1887 before Carolina Rediviva took over as the main library.
- •In 2025, Gustavianum was included in Sweden's cultural canon, recognizing its national cultural significance.
- •The museum houses the Augsburg Art Cabinet, a curiosity cabinet from the early 1600s with about 1,000 objects.
- •The Viking Age exhibition includes artifacts from boat graves in Valsgärde, located approximately 7 km north of Uppsala.
Storia
Gustavianum was constructed starting in 1622 under the reign of King Gustav II Adolf as part of Uppsala University's expansion during Sweden's era as a great power.
It incorporated medieval structures from the Archbishop's residence.
The Anatomical Theatre was added in 1662–1663 by Olof Rudbeck the Elder to advance medical education.
The building served as the university's main building until 1887 and housed various academic departments until the 1990s.
It was declared a listed building in 1935.
Since 1997, it has functioned as the university museum, preserving and exhibiting centuries of academic heritage.
The museum was temporarily closed for repairs in 2019 and reopened in 2024.
Guida del luogo
Anatomical Theatre1662–1663
Built in 1662–1663 by Olof Rudbeck the Elder, this elevated dome structure was designed for public dissections and medical demonstrations. Its amphitheatre-style interior allowed up to 200 standing spectators to observe dissections with ample natural light through numerous windows.
Augsburg Art CabinetEarly 1600s
A curiosity cabinet from the early 17th century containing approximately 1,000 diverse objects, showcasing the art and scientific interests of the era.
Egyptian and Mediterranean Collection
Known as the Victoria Museum, this exhibition features Egyptian antiquities and artifacts from the Mediterranean and Nile Valley, highlighting ancient civilizations and their cultural heritage.
Coin Cabinet
Displays coins and medals from the university's numismatic collection, illustrating monetary history and university heritage.
University and Science History Exhibition1477 and onward
Showcases Uppsala University's privileges, lecture notes from its founding semester in 1477, and objects from the travels of Carl Linnaeus's disciples, illustrating the academic legacy and scientific development.
Viking Age Dawn Exhibition400–1100 AD
Features artifacts from the boat grave fields in Valsgärde, used between the 5th and 12th centuries, providing insights into Viking Age culture and society.
Contatto
Telefono: 018-471 75 71
