Time travel through science, art and ideas at Gustavianum

By Linnéa Mitchell | Photos: Gustavianum, Uppsala University Museum

In the historic heart of the city of Uppsala, one hour north of Stockholm, stands one of Scandinavia’s most remarkable academic landmarks. Gustavianum museum, part of Uppsala University, offers visitors a journey through centuries of scientific discovery, art and human curiosity – all within Sweden’s oldest preserved university building.

“The jewel in our collection is actually the building itself,” says Cecilia Ödman, antiquarian at Gustavianum. The building was constructed in the 1620s and was named after the then king of Sweden, Gustav II Adolf. “The architecture and beautiful staircase are the most obvious historic signs, but there is something about the atmosphere too – you can sense the layers of history as soon as you enter the building,” says Ödman.

Celsius thermometer. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt

Its exhibitions reflect the institution’s centuries-long pursuit of knowledge. All collections on display have a direct link to the history of the building as well as the university; the so called study collections, still used by the students today. “That’s why you find a mummy and contemporary art under the same roof,” says Ödman.

Time travel through science, art and ideas at Gustavianum

Anatomical theatre.

The highlight for many is the spectacular anatomical theatre created by the botanist Carl von Linné’s predecessor, Olof Rudbeck the Elder, in the 1660s. One of the oldest surviving anatomical theatres in the world, it sits dramatically at the top of the building beneath a distinctive cupola. Its circular wooden seating once allowed students and scholars to observe dissections performed entirely in daylight from windows above.

Augsburg Art Cabinet. Photo: Augusto Mendes

Another must-see is the extraordinary Augsburg Art Cabinet, a lavish 17th century curiosity cabinet containing nearly 1,000 objects and sometimes described as the internet of the 1600s. It remains the only completely preserved cabinet of its kind in the world.

Among the many other treasures is the original thermometer developed by the scientist Anders Celsius – a small instrument that changed how we measure temperature across the globe.

Cupola. Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt

This summer, Gustavianum will also present a major exhibition featuring works by renowned Swedish artist Bruno Liljefors, exploring both his groundbreaking artistic vision and his early concerns about humanity’s impact on nature.

Staircase and hall.

The best thing about the museum, according to Ödman, is its digestible size; it does not take weeks to explore. Also adding value is that all tours are guided by the university’s students. Gustavianum offers a uniquely intimate encounter with the history of ideas – and the people who shaped them.