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Stockholm
Thursday, January 30, 2025

Biological Museum
– Natural history and architectural splendor in Djurgården Island

Biologiska Museet: Nature and architectural splendor

Nestled in the heart of Stockholm, the Biologiska Museet is a captivating tribute to human diversity. The museum’s distinctive architecture and immersive exhibits allow visitors to learn more about biodiversity and discover the wonders of nature.

In 2017, the Biological Museum had to close for renovations. Thankfully, a comprehensive restoration has now begun, and the museum should reopen in a few years!

Biologiska Museet: Architectural splendor

The building was designed by architect Agi Lindegren and has tarred wooden shingles on the exterior and facades. The magnificent relief wood carvings on the portal are reminiscent of Borgund Stave Church, and it was inspired by medieval stave churches in Norway. The museum was one of the attractions at the Stockholm Exhibition in 1897, and the building, which is categorized as national romantic, was inaugurated in 1893.

“Unique in its kind—Panorama of Animal Life—Unparalleled in the world” was the original inscription on the facade. There is no electric lighting in the exhibition hall. Instead, there is a sense of natural light as daylight pours through the large skylights.

Today, the facade bears the inscription: ‘Nordic animal world, seen in nature.’

The Biologiska Museet diorama

Among the museum’s displays are dioramas, which present realistic representations of diverse ecosystems and their inhabitants. Dioramas are intricate, three-dimensional displays that attempt to replicate natural environments and offer a realistic look into the lives of various species.

Craftsmanship in dioramas

In these dioramas, artists skillfully arrange taxidermy animals in meticulously designed environments to mimic their native habitats and behaviors. Visitors get a unique and captivating experience when they see animals in settings that closely resemble their natural habitats.

Educational value of dioramas

The Biologiska Museet’s use of dioramas improves the museum’s educational component by enabling visitors to examine and enjoy the variety of wildlife in settings that closely mimic their natural habitats. It is a widely used and successful technique for communicating knowledge about animal behavior, ecosystems, and the relationships between species in their various habitats.

Extensive exhibits collection

Visitors are greeted by an abundance of displays covering zoology, botany, and paleontology as soon as they enter. The museum also has a large collection of animals in taxidermy on display. This encompasses marine life, birds, and mammals. As a result, visitors can get a close-up look at animals from different environments. Furthermore, it is visually stunning and instructive due to the fine details and brilliant colors.

Conclusion

The enduring interest in nature is illustrated by the Biologiska Museet in Stockholm. Whether you are interested in the educational opportunities, the diverse exhibits, or the captivating architecture and diorama, the museum offers an amazing and enlightening experience. Within its walls, visitors are invited to set out on a voyage of discovery, serving as a reminder of the complex beauty and interconnectedness of life.

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Attraction Info

Biological Museum
Biologiska museet

Address

Hazeliusporten (Skansen)
Djurgården, Stockholm

Contact

Getting there

T-Karlaplan + walking 1.300m.
Various bus lines serve Djurgården.
Tram 7, which runs along Djurgårdsvägen. Get off at the "Skansen" stop.
Walking distance from city centre.
Djurgården can be reached by ferry from Slussen.

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