Gustavianum nominated for Museum of the Year
Artefacts from ancient Egypt are on display in one of the Gustavianum's permanent exhibitions. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
Gustavianum is one of three museums in Sweden nominated for Museum of the Year 2025. Every year, this award goes to a Swedish museum that has demonstrated innovative thinking and activities that are socially well anchored, and is awarded by Sveriges Museer (Sweden’s museums association) and the International Council of Museums (ICOM) Sweden.
Three museums are selected as the final candidates for Museum of the Year based on proposals submitted by the public. This year, proposals for 30 different museums were submitted. A jury then selects three final candidates. This year, one of these is Gustavianum and the justification reads:
At a time when facts are being questioned, Gustavianum is operating within a centuries-old tradition where current research, knowledge and science are central. It is an arena for sharing knowledge where the university and the broader community meet. By integrating teaching into its activities, and opening up to active participation by students, an innovative learning environment is being encouraged that promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence in trial and error. The recent renovation has strengthened the museum as a knowledge hub where educational, inclusive and inspiring encounters between history and the present can take place.
“Obviously it’s wonderful that we have reached the final. At Gustavianum, we have just left behind a very intensive period with the renovations and the creation of new exhibitions and developing our activities. And we are honoured and proud to be one of the final candidates for this fine award,” says Mikael Ahlund, Director of Gustavianium.
Besides Gustavianum, the Museum of Science and Technology (Tekniska) in Stockholm and Västmanland County Museum in Vasterås have been nominated. The winner will be revealed on 8 April at the museums association’s spring gathering in Jönköping.
Åsa Malmberg