Preserving and bringing cultural history to life
Skansen’s open-air museum presents how people lived and worked in Sweden from the 18th century to the early 20th century. Historic buildings, environments, and collections from across the country create a vivid picture of everyday life, traditions, and societal development, and of how the past continues to influence life today.
The museum offers a sensory experience where history can be encountered through sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Farms, homes, workshops, churches, gardens, and cultural landscapes together reflect different places, periods, and social contexts in Sweden’s history.
A key strength of the museum is the interaction between visitors and knowledgeable experts. Storytelling, conversation, and interpretive activities support a deeper understanding of cultural heritage.
Tangible and intangible cultural heritage
Skansen represents both tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including crafts, practical knowledge, stories, music, traditions, and seasonal celebrations. The open-air museum is also a place for life in the present, where people gather to experience everyday life and special occasions.
A visit offers not only insight into history, but also perspectives on contemporary life by placing current societal issues in a historical context.
