Gustavianum is one of a hundred in the new cultural canon
Museum Director Mikael Ahlund was pleasantly surprised to learn that Gustavianum was included in the canon. Photo: Jenny Jansson
When the Government’s cultural canon was recently presented at Gustavianum, it was revealed that the museum had also been included in the canon. Museum Director Mikael Ahlund says that this has helped to raise awareness of Gustavianum.
Were you surprised that Gustavianum was included in the canon?
“Yes, you could say so. We had been in contact with the Government Offices and the Minister for Culture before, but that was in connection with their request to hold the press conference at our museum when the inquiry report was to be presented. At that point, we didn't know that Gustavianum was among the hundred selected... So, yes, we were a little surprised. But at the same time, it’s not an entirely unreasonable choice.”
What does this mean for the museum?
“The Canon project has been discussed back and forth both before and after the press conference. In concrete terms, it has naturally brought Gustavianum a lot of attention – something our visitors constantly remind us of. With the media interest surrounding this project, many people have become aware of us. And we are, of course, delighted about that.”
Why do you think Gustavianum was included? What makes it so unique compared to other museums?
“As stated in the inquiry report, we were included not only for our role as a museum, but as a representative of something greater than that – namely, the long tradition of research, knowledge building and bildung that Uppsala and the country’s other universities represent. And as the oldest preserved building at the country’s oldest university, we were given the role of being a symbol of this centuries-old tradition of knowledge institutions in Sweden. I’m sure the fact that we are also a recently reopened and fantastic museum that preserves and displays the University’s historical collections also had a little something to do with the decision.”
Why do you think the Government chose to present the canon at Gustavianum?
“According to their own statement, they considered Gustavianum a fitting setting for this project, which was about knowledge, bildung, culture and history. From Olof Rudbeck all the way to today’s museum. The Minister for Culture had also inaugurated Gustavianum when we reopened in June 2024, so she was already very familiar with our museum.”
The museum also recently received the lighting design award Svenska Ljuspriset. How does your lighting stand out?
“Yes, that happened a few days later in the same week. It’s great that we’ve been recognised for this as well. Our new exhibitions are the result of careful work involving us, exhibition designers and lighting designers. And lighting plays a very important role in the new museum – not only to highlight the qualities of the building, but also the many objects on display. The lighting is fundamental to creating the magical atmosphere that you now experience in Gustavianum. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Stina Marsh and Transpond for creating this fantastic lighting environment!”
Åsa Malmberg