Frequently asked questions

Why is the Castle Museum, or Slottshistoriska, being built at Uppsala Castle?

When determining the future location of the Art Museum, a notable desire was expressed by both locals and visitors: they wanted to know more about the castle and its history, and have Uppsala Castle be a more accessible tourist destination. Uppsala Castle has a rich history and a strong connection to the city, and many have expressed a desire to learn more about its cultural environment and the surrounding park.

What will it be called?

Uppsala Slottshistoriska, or "Uppsala Castle Museum" in English.

Where will it be located?

Uppsala Castle Museum is located in the place that previously housed Fredens hus, in the part of the castle between the north and south towers (the so-called “long-castle”) as well as the bottom floor of the north tower. The premises are already adapted to public use and are about 500 square meters. Previous radon levels have been brought down, and the levels are now well within safety standards.

Is it going to be located anywhere else in the future?

No, this is a long-term placement.

When does it open?

The goal is to open the museum to visitors on May 17th 2025. The Castle Museum will, however, offer digital experiences before the physical launch.

Will it be possible to see areas of the castle that are not open to the public?

On certain occasions, guided tours will be offered in parts of the castle which are not usually accessible to the public.

What is the aim of the museum?

Uppsala Castle Museum will describe the extensive history of Uppsala Castle, from the 1500’s until today.

The description includes:

• The significance of the castle in the history of Uppsala, Uppland, and Sweden.
• The people who have lived, worked, and stayed at the castle, among whom different social groups are represented.
• The memories of the castle, ceremonies, celebrations, as well as crimes and punishments, that have taken place here.

Special attention will be paid to microhistorical perspectives, which give a voice to people whose stories have not previously been heard, such as servants, and the prisoners of the county jail.

How does the Castle Museum relate to other Uppsala museums?

Uppsala Castle Museum aspires to complement and collaborate with other museums and organizations, both locally and regionally. We believe that by placing the castle and its history in a greater context, we can contribute to raising the value of other cultural heritage sites in Uppsala. With the help of other institutions, our intention is to create a richer and more cohesive experience of the cultural heritage of Uppsala.

How will Uppsala Castle Museum and Uppsala Art Museum collaborate?

The Castle Museum and the Art Museum, both of which are located in the castle, will cooperate on management and operations, for instance regarding common areas and shared personnel. They are two distinctly separate and unique operations.

Will anything be happening in the courtyard and castle park?

Yes, the courtyard and castle park will be included in the scheduled program at the Castle Museum, for instance with guided tours and events.

What will be shown at Uppsala Castle Museum?

The Castle Museum has no collections of its own, but will have items on loan from other institutions to illustrate the historical narrative. Much of the history of the castle will also be presented digitally.