Uppsala Museum

Uppsala Konstmuseum

The principal art museum of Uppsala, housing significant collections of Swedish and international art from medieval times to contemporary works. The museum is housed in a beautiful building and provides a comprehensive overview of visual culture and artistic traditions in the region.

Things to do

• Explore Medieval Swedish Art — View the museum's extensive collection of Swedish medieval paintings, sculptures, and religious artifacts spanning from the 12th to 16th centuries.
• Contemporary Art Exhibitions — Experience rotating contemporary art displays featuring modern Swedish and international artists in the museum's dedicated exhibition spaces.
• Guided Museum Tour — Join a curator-led tour to gain deeper insights into the museum's collections and the historical context of Uppsala's artistic heritage.
• Study the Building Architecture — Appreciate the museum's own architectural design, a beautiful example of early 20th-century Swedish institutional building.
• Visit the Museum Café — Relax in the on-site café offering light Swedish refreshments and pastries while overlooking the museum's interior courtyard.
• Attend Special Lectures — Check the museum's schedule for educational seminars and art history lectures hosted throughout the year for visitors.

Food to try

• Semla — A traditional Swedish cardamom-spiced cream bun filled with almond paste and whipped cream, particularly popular during spring months.
• Gravlax — Cured salmon with dill, sugar, and salt that is a quintessential Swedish delicacy found in local Uppsala restaurants and cafés.
• Knäckebröd with Swedish Cheese — Crispy traditional rye flatbread paired with creamy Västerbotten or Herrgård cheese, reflecting Uppsala's regional food culture.
• Meatballs (Köttbullar) — Swedish-style ground beef meatballs served with lingonberry sauce and sour cream, a comfort food staple throughout the region.
• Fika — The Swedish coffee and cake tradition typically enjoyed mid-morning or mid-afternoon, a cultural experience in local cafés near the museum.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Quiet Contemplation — Swedish museum visitors expect a calm, quiet environment for art appreciation; speaking softly and moving deliberately through galleries is customary.
• Plan for Fika Time — Many Swedish institutions close or have limited hours during the traditional fika break around 2-3 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.
• Dress Appropriately for Weather — Uppsala experiences harsh winters; dress warmly even when traveling between the museum and nearby attractions in the city center.
• Check Swedish Language Labels — While many exhibitions include English descriptions, having basic Swedish art terminology knowledge or using the museum's English guide enhances understanding.