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Stockholm’s best under-the-radar museums

Stockholm is a haven for museum lovers. The city boasts dozens of museums covering subjects from famous writers to rare toys and almost anything in between. After you’ve done the obvious ones try these five – lesser known but equally worth a visit.
Astrid Lindgren's desk at Dalagatan 46, Stockholm
Astrid Lindgren's desk in her former home at Dalagatan 46 in central Stockholm.
Photo: Saltkråkan AB

Astrid Lindgren’s home

The world-famous writer and creator of Pippi Longstocking lived here for more than 60 years, from 1941–2002. The home, with four rooms and a kitchen, looks exactly as it did when Lindgren was still alive. Even her bed, where she used to write in the mornings, is still intact. Pay special attention to the furniture: never one to waste money, a virtue people from Småland are famous for, Lindgren was known to study furniture in Stockholm’s stores and then have similar pieces made by skilled carpenters in her native Småland. Visiting the museum requires booking ahead, which you can do on the website. 

Where to find it: Dalagatan 46 / Where to read more: astridlindgrenshem.se

Bonnier art gallery, Stockholm
Exposition à la gallerie Bonnier à Stockholm.
Photo: Anna Hållams

Bonniers Konsthall

Formed like a huge flat iron with large windows covering both sides, this spectacular building offers contemporary art exhibitions and panoramic views over the Barnhusviken bay and neighbouring rail yard. The gallery covers both Swedish and international art. Exhibitions range from ambitious thematic group shows to solo shows where art works are often made specifically for the exhibition. The glass and steel structure was designed by Johan Celsing Arkitektkontor in 2006. 

Where to find it: Torsgatan 19 / Where to read more: bonnierskonsthall.se

The Carl Eldh Studio Museum, Stockholm
Carl Eldh's former atelier and home, designed by Ragnar Östberg in 1919.
Photo: Urban Jörén

Carl Eldhs Ateljémuseum

Located in a secluded spot on Bellevue Hill, Carl Eldh’s studio museum is something of a secret even to many locals. The small house is filled to the brim with hundreds of statuettes, busts and sketches by the late sculptor, whose works can be seen all over Stockholm. Among other things, he sculpted the statue of writer August Stringberg in Tegnérlunden. The house itself, featuring a dark brown wooden façade and huge windows to the north to allow light into the studio, is also worth seeing. It was designed in 1919 by Ragnar Östberg, the architect who also drew Stockholm’s beloved City Hall. 

Where to find it: Lögebodavägen 10 / Where to read more: eldhsatelje.se

Stockholm Toy Museum
Browse the exhibitions of Stockholm Toy Museum, with about 40,000 toys on display.
Photo: Anna Hållams

Stockholm Toy Museum

You don’t have to be a kid to appreciate this museum, boasting a rare collection of toys from the 17th century to this day, all presented in a scenic exhibition built by set designers, artists and prop makers. Everything from dolls and comic books to toy cars, board games, miniature figures and much more is showcased in a unique underground location, a 2,500 square-meter former torpedo workshop on the museum island of Skeppsholmen. The toys come from the von Schinkel family collection. All in all, there are over 40,000 items. 

Where to find it: Svensksundsvägen 5 / Where to read more: toymuseum.se

The Hallwyl House, Stockholm
The luxurious Hallwyl house was the home of Count and Countess Walther and Wilhelmina von Hallwyl. It was designed by Isak Gustaf Clason, the most prominent architect of that time, and completed in 1898.
Photo: Erik Lernestål, Hallwylska museet/SHM

The Hallwyl museum

This private palace was built in the 1898 and used to belong to the affluent couple Walther and Wilhelmina von Hallwyl. It was donated to the Swedish state in 1920 and left untouched, as a kind of time capsule from that era. Wilhelmina was an avid collector, and thanks to the interior and her collections of art and personal items – including everything from Chinese crockery to Italian cupboards in gold and a slice of the couple’s wedding cake – the house offers a unique glimpse into the lifestyle of the upper class in this era. 

Where to find it: Hamngatan 4 / Where to read more: hallwylskamuseet.se


Read about more attractions in Stockholm on visitstockholm.com.