This is Skansen
Welcome to Skansen – Sweden’s oldest open-air museum and zoo, where Swedish cultural history comes to life.
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Skansen was founded in 1891 and has since been a living place where visitors can experience Sweden’s history and culture. Our open-air museum includes everything from historic buildings and farms to exhibitions that reflect Swedish tradition and everyday life through the ages.
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Explore our zoo with Nordic animals such as bears, wolves and moose as well as Swedish domestic and native breeds. At Baltic Sea Science Center you can go under the sea to meet the animals that live there and take part in the important exhibitions about the Baltic Sea and the environment.
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Events and performances
Skansen offers a wide range of events and performances all year round. From concerts and dance evenings to craft days and markets – there is always something exciting to experience here.
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Parks and gardens
Take a stroll through our beautiful parks and gardens, where you can enjoy everything from traditional Swedish garden plants to cultural heritage plants. Our gardeners are constantly working to preserve and develop our green environments.
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At Skansen we celebrate traditional Swedish holidays such as Midsummer, Christmas and Easter with authentic celebrations that take you back in time. Join the dancing around the Midsummer pole or enjoy the magic of the Christmas market.
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Make your visit unforgettable! Join one of our guided tours to experience Skansen through the eyes of our storytellers, or explore at your own pace with our immersive audio guide. Our guides bring history to life, sharing the stories behind our animals, buildings, and traditions — helping you connect more deeply with Sweden’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
Our history and our work
Skansen is a foundation with a rich history, and today we strive to preserve it while creating a place where people can experience Sweden's animal, natural and cultural heritage in a fun and educational way.
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Vision and mission
Skansen’s vision is to be a beacon for learning and inspiring experiences of nature and culture in Sweden. For history, the present and the future. The guest’s experience is at the center and we offer a zoo, an open-air museum and a place for inspiring meetings.
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Skansen is today the world’s oldest open-air museum and was founded in 1891 by the linguist, teacher and folk educator Artur Hazelius. Read about Arthur Hazelius and how the world’s oldest open-air museum was founded.