2_9_ScanMag_74_March_2015_Text_Q9_Scan Magazine 1 09/03/2015 23:13 Page 47
Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Culture in Sweden
Polar expeditions and adventures in Grenna On 11 July, 1897, the gas balloon Eagle took off. On board were Salomon August Andrée, Nils Strindberg and Knut Fraenkel, embarking on a journey to explore and map down the northernmost polar region. They never made it past the North Pole and were found 33 years later on the White Island. At Grenna Museum you can follow their thrilling and tragic journey through diary entries, other extraordinary findings and much more. By Astrid Eriksson | Photos: Grenna Museum – Polarcenter
“We’re a fascinating combination of history and modern research,” says Håkan Jörikson, Museum Director. The museum presents a polarhistorical focus, where visitors can inspect amazing finds from various expeditions, like equipment from Otto Nordenskjöld who led the first Swedish Antarctic expedition in 1901-1904 as well as Ernest Shackleton’s private photo albums with astonishing images of the sinking ship Endurance. Grenna Museum has Sweden’s largest polar-historical collection and is now in the process of expanding even further. The museum will in the future span over 1,000 sqm, and interactive stations will add to the experience. Visitors will for example be able to explore the island from where the famous Andrée
expedition started, and the White Island where the adventurers where found dead in 1930. New for this year is the temporary exhibition with Axel Stake’s photographs of the Andrée expedition, taken 1896 and 97. The pictures were meant for commemorative purposes but were never published and were presumed lost until recently found in the archives of Grenna Museum. “It’s both comical and slightly embarrassing,” laughs Jörikson. “We had them right here all along without knowing!” A visit to Grenna Museum is informative, thought-provoking and entertaining. “We want people to leave us filled with new knowledge and ideas about nature, culture, history and last but not least, a sense of adventure,” says Jörikson.
The construction of the gas balloon house, from the material of Axel Stake.
For more information, please visit: www.grennamuseum.se
Sweden’s Air Force Museum – taking families to new heights Flygvapenmuseum (The Swedish Air Force Museum) is a place that delights the entire family and lets them explore technical master pieces as well as one of Scandinavia’s most important industries; one which on more than one occasion has changed the course of history. One might think a museum focusing on military aviation machines and techniques is something that appeals to a niched crowd, already inaugurated into the ins and outs of Swedish Air Force history. One would be mistaken. By Astrid Eriksson | Photo: Swedish Air Force Museum
“Flygvapenmuseum is interesting, fun and rewarding for everyone regardless of qualifications, age and interests,” says Veronika Baumgardt, Education Officer at Flygvapenmuseum. “We welcome everyone – families, aviation experts, young and old.” The museum’s extensive collection of objects includes aircraft, engines, instruments, uniforms and other articles used in military aviation. The broad programme, and the unexpected experiences created by the fascinating exhibitions, attract thousands of visitors each year. “We take pride in putting the technical aviation development in a cultural context so that everyone can relate to it with ease, no matter their pre-qualifications or background knowledge,” explains Baumgardt. “We open
their eyes to the connection between technical evolution and social developments, which is always thought-provoking.” Families are highly prioritised at Flygvapenmuseum. “We are really keen to enable the entire family to come and explore and have fun with us,” says Baumgardt. “Even the youngest ones enjoy our exhibitions together with our mascots Drakel and Viggo, and the slightly older children absolutely adore experimenting in our science centre – The Flight Lab.” The truth is, Flygvapenmuseum is a great experience for everyone. The historical implications attract an older audience and the fun and exciting features help teach and stimulate kids through many interesting objects and activities.
For more information, please visit: www.flygvapenmuseum.se/en
Issue 74 | March 2015 | 47