The Munktell Museum: Swedish industrial history meets the future
By Malin Norman | Photos: Munktellmuseet
If you like to explore old tractors and construction machines, the Munktell Museum is going to be a veritable paradise for you. Here, you can climb up and step inside old, restored machines. But it’s not just about the past, as simulators and the latest VR technology bring you into the future.
The Munktell Museum in Eskilstuna is a popular destination for the whole family, including curious children who love tractors, people interested in steam engines, and real tech enthusiasts. The museum opened in 1991 in the heart of Sweden’s industrial district and is owned by Volvo Construction Equipment, one of the world leaders in construction machinery, dating back to engineer Johan Theofron Munktell.
In 2008, it was named the world’s best museum in its category. The collections include around 200 objects that represent Sweden’s industrial history – everything from pioneering engineering to modern construction machines. In addition to the exhibition halls of around 3,000 square metres, the museum has a repair workshop and an auditorium with room for 100 people, plus facilities for conferences and events, and a popular café.
“Here, you can follow the progress of Volvo Construction Equipment through nearly 190 years of innovation, see machines that have been restored, and even climb up and step inside,” says Jannicke Serneberg, museum director. “But we also show how history meets the future with interactive elements and digitalisation.” Visitors can try simulators and experience the latest VR technology, and there are lots of events throughout the year.
The Munktell Museum is located in Munktellstaden, an old industrial district in central Eskilstuna, which has been renovated and now houses everything from culture and education to sports, music and food.
The Munktell Museum is open six days a week. Monday to Friday: 10am to 4pm Saturday: 11am to 4pm Sunday: closed Web: www.munktellmuseet.com Facebook: Munktellmuseet Instagram: @munktellmuseet
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