Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Scandinavian Culture – Sweden
The Swedish Navy – on land, on water This year, the Naval Museum celebrates 20 years on the island of Stumholmen. With its exhibitions, playground, restaurant and museum shop, there is something for everyone to explore. The museum even has its own beach! By Malin Norman | Photos: Naval Museum
The Naval Museum in Karlskrona has been named Museum of the Year in Sweden. Seeing the variety of exhibitions and interesting things to do, this comes as no surprise. Celebrating 20 years on the small island of Stumholmen this year, the museum will also have a funfilled programme with something a bit extra on offer, including concerts, talks and guided tours. “This is a great museum with something for everyone,” says Susanne Ekblad, head of the museum unit. “Whether you have a special naval interest or are a family on holiday, you can easily spend half a day here. Our visitors are really surprised; they often have no idea that there’s so much to do!” The museum tells the story of the Swedish Navy, its historic battles and, 58 | Issue 98 | March 2017
importantly, also the human side. At its heart is the Model Chamber, dating back to 1752, with old ship models, smart designs and beautiful decorations. Other highlights include the Submarine Hall with 110 years of history, and the chance to get up close with a real submarine from the Cold War, HMS Neptun. “It’s technically fascinating with our three submarines on show in the hall, and few museums in the world have a submarine in original condition that you can actually enter and explore on your own,” says Ekblad, emphasising the wow factor. Highly recommended is also Surface Tension, an exhibition about the last decade of the Cold War from the perspective of the Swedish Navy, also showing the contrasts between the military and the civil society. Visitors should also take the opportunity to see the Figureheads
Hall with its unique collection of wooden sculptures from some of the greatest warships. The temporary exhibition Object 871 with watercolour reproductions of the Karlskrona world heritage is also a must-see, and there is a navalthemed children’s play area as well. While on Stumholmen, visitors can explore the wide range of books, toys and interior design in the museum shop, all with a maritime touch. Why not enjoy a lovely meal in the restaurant after an eventful nautical experience? Opening hours: Jan-Apr: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm May: daily 10am-4pm June-Aug: daily 10am-6pm Sept: daily 10am-4pm Oct-Dec: Tuesday-Sunday 10am-4pm Jan-May and Sept-Dec: Wednesdays 10am-7pm, free admission.
For more information, please visit: www.marinmuseum.se