If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm, make sure to add the newly renovated Postmuseum to your itinerary. Nestled in the charming historic district of Gamla Stan, specifically at Lilla Nygatan 6, this museum has reopened its doors after an extensive restoration, breathing new life into a building that dates back to the 1600s.
A Historic Setting
The museum is situated in the Penelope block in Gamla Stan, home to Sweden’s first post office since 1720. The recent renovations have fortified the foundation, ensuring that this architectural marvel stands strong for generations to come. In effect, as you wander through the museum, you’ll be walking through corridors that have witnessed centuries of history.
Immersive Exhibitions
One of the main attractions is the post-historical base exhibition, simply called POST. This dynamic and interactive exhibit features nearly 400 artifacts, taking you on a journey through five centuries of postal history. The exhibition is designed to entertain and educate visitors of all ages, offering a unique blend of information and engagement. Imagine mailboxes that sing, talking artifacts, and even postal uniforms that you can try on!
“POST is a learning, exciting, and playful exhibition with elements like singing mailboxes, talking objects, work clothes to try on, and much more,” says Malin Valentin, the museum director. It’s a tribute to the hard work and dedication of those who have enabled communication across distances. Moreover, it also honors those who have eagerly awaited their mail.
Family-Friendly Fun
For families with children, the new play exhibition Postis is a must-visit. Here, kids can sort packages, deliver letters, and become little postal heroes themselves. This interactive space ensures that even the youngest visitors can be part of the postal adventure in a fun and engaging way.
Special Exhibitions at the Postmuseum
In addition to the permanent exhibits, the museum also features a temporary photo exhibition. It offers a dual perspective on the postal system. Andy Allen-Olivar, a contemporary photographer and postal enthusiast, is the artist. He uses a pinhole camera inside a package to capture the postal system in Gothenburg. Meanwhile, Nils Johansson, a postman and photographer who worked in the 1960s, documented his colleagues during their daily routines. These exhibits provide a unique, visual narrative that complements the historical displays.
A Welcoming Space
“We look forward to filling the house with both old and new museum visitors. Our ambition has been to create a more open and welcoming museum and a more inviting meeting place. Postmuseum is a natural destination in Stockholm’s cultural life and an inspiring place for meetings and events,” Malin Valentin emphasizes.
Culinary Delights Await
No visit is complete without a stop at Restaurant AVI, operated by renowned chefs Claes Bilock and Oscar Strömdahl. Whether you’re visiting the museum or just in the area, AVI offers a delightful menu for lunch and fika (a Swedish coffee break), making it a perfect spot to relax and refuel.
Other Attractions Nearby
- The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet): Just a short walk from the Postmuseum, the Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe. Visitors can explore the royal apartments, the Treasury, and the Museum of Antiquities.
- Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral): Also known as the Great Church, this historic cathedral features Gothic architecture and houses the famous statue of Saint George and the Dragon.
- Nobel Prize Museum: Located in the heart of Gamla Stan, this museum is dedicated to the Nobel Prize and its laureates. It offers interactive exhibits and detailed information about the prestigious award’s history.
- Swedish Parliament House (Riksdagshuset): Situated on the island of Helgeandsholmen, the Parliament House offers guided tours where you can learn about Swedish politics and history, all within a striking architectural setting.
- The Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities (Medelhavsmuseet): A short distance from Gamla Stan, this museum boasts an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
- Skeppsholmen Island: Just a bridge away from Gamla Stan, Skeppsholmen offers several cultural attractions, including the Moderna Museet (Museum of Modern Art) and the ArkDes (Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design).
- Mårten Trotzigs Gränd: Known as the narrowest alley in Stockholm, this picturesque pathway in Gamla Stan is a fun spot for taking photos and experiencing the old-world charm of the city.
- The House of Nobility (Riddarhuset): This historic building showcases the history and heritage of the Swedish nobility with its magnificent architecture and detailed interior.
- Riddarholm Church (Riddarholmskyrkan): A stunningly beautiful medieval church where many Swedish monarchs are buried, located just a short walk from the Royal Palace.
