Gustavianum, Uppsala, Sweden

Gustavianum is the former main building of Uppsala University, built 1622–1625 and named after King Gustavus Adolphus. Under the cupola is the theatrum anatomicum, the second oldest in the world added to the building in the mid 17th century by Olaus Rudbeck, professor of medicine and amateur architect, among other things.

Although still used for lectures and conferences, most of Gustavianum functions as a museum, including exhibitions of objects from the university collections of Classical, Egyptian and Nordic antiquities, as well as an exhibition on the history of science and the history of Uppsala University. The Augsburg art cabinet, the best preserved of the Kunstschränke made by Philipp Hainhofer, which was given to Gustavus Adolphus in 1632 by the City of Augsburg, is on display in the Gustavianum.

The Museum has an excellent science collection of very old telescopes of Celsius and other astronomers, the oldest achromatic telescope, a book with Copernicus notes on solar eclipses, an important Lineus exhibition and currently an exhibition of the oldest known astronomical instrument and computer, the Antikythera Mechanism.

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User Reviews

Willy Bonka (5 months ago)
Pretty astonishing that there's such a diverse and interesting collection I've never heard of in the pretty small town of Uppsala. Incredible pieces (especially the huge jewellery/gadget/all-in-one box). The old medical show room in the dome is also pretty cool. It's not the largest museum but I think it's a great size, not too overwhelming.

Alexis Gillett (5 months ago)
Quirky museum where each room is like its own mini-museum. The building itself is also an attraction with the 'hat' housing an anatomical theatre.

Ananda Hall (7 months ago)
Fantastic museum, highly recommended. Excellent presentation (information signs are in both English and Swedish). I was expecting it to be 'small' based on previous reviews, but it wasn't: I could have easily spent 2 hours or more. They have a great variety of rooms/exhibits, from Egyptian (don't miss the mummified cats!) to Viking to ancient coins to art, and of course the amazing anatomy theatre. Suitable for kids (10yo was fascinated with the Egyptian exhibit) as well as adults.

Emi G (11 months ago)
Small but VERY NICE history museum of the Uppsala university.

Goran A. (4 years ago)
The oldest building in Uppsala, with a very unique exterior.

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