About Nationalmuseum
Reopened in 2018 after a major renovation, the Nationalmuseum holds Sweden's largest art collection — Rembrandt, Renoir, Manet and a great deal of Carl Larsson and Anders Zorn.
Founded in 1866, Nationalmuseum has been welcoming visitors for over 160 years. Today it draws approximately 700,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most-visited art & encyclopedic museums in the world. Located in Stockholm, Sweden, the museum holds a rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 7,500 traveller reviews, reflecting its enduring appeal to both first-time visitors and returning enthusiasts.
Why Nationalmuseum ranks #145
Our editorial ranking blends data from TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice awards, AECOM/TEA annual attendance figures, and coverage in leading travel publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Time Out, National Geographic and The Times. At #145 in our composite ranking, Nationalmuseum represents the kind of institution that rewards a deliberate visit — less visited than the mega-museums, but no less rewarding in what it offers. Key recognitions include: Free entry.
Must-see highlights
With a recommended visit time of 2 hours, planning your route through Nationalmuseum is essential. Here are the standout works and spaces that should be at the top of your list:
- ◆Renoir's La Conversation
- ◆Rembrandt's Conspiracy of Claudius Civilis
- ◆Carl Larsson murals
- ◆Free entry
Recognition & awards
Nationalmuseum has received recognition from multiple authoritative sources in the museum and travel industry:
Planning your visit
Opening hours: Tue, Thu–Sun 11:00–17:00, Wed 11:00–20:00. Closed Mon. Free.
How long to spend: Most visitors recommend setting aside 2 hours for a thorough visit. If you are short on time, focus on the highlights listed above and consider purchasing a skip-the-line ticket to maximise your time inside.
Getting there: Nationalmuseum is located in Stockholm, Sweden at coordinates 59.3290°N, 18.0789°E. View on Google Maps →
Visitor tips: The museum is manageable in a single visit, but arriving early helps you avoid peak crowds. Check the official website for any temporary closures, special exhibitions and advance booking requirements.
History of Nationalmuseum
Nationalmuseum was established in 1866, making it a well-established institution with over a century of history. Over the centuries, it has grown from its original collection to become a major cultural landmark in Stockholm. With 700,000 annual visitors, it plays a vital role in Sweden's cultural tourism economy and stands as one of the most important art & encyclopedic museums in the Europe region.
Other top art & encyclopedic museums
If you enjoy art & encyclopedic museums like Nationalmuseum, you may also want to explore these highly-ranked institutions in the same category:
- #1Musée du LouvreParis, France
- #2The Metropolitan Museum of ArtNew York, United States
- #3Vatican MuseumsVatican City, Vatican City
- #4British MuseumLondon, United Kingdom
- #5State Hermitage MuseumSaint Petersburg, Russia
More museums in Stockholm
Stockholm is home to 6 museums on our editorial ranking. If you are visiting the city, consider combining your trip to Nationalmuseum with these nearby institutions:
- #84Moderna Museet🎨 Modern & Contemporary
- #87Vasa Museum🏛️ History & Civilization
- #88ABBA The Museum🏛️ History & Civilization
- #146Skansen🏛️ History & Civilization
- #149Nobel Prize Museum🏛️ History & Civilization
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of Nationalmuseum?
Tue, Thu–Sun 11:00–17:00, Wed 11:00–20:00. Closed Mon. Free. We recommend checking the official website before your visit as hours may change on public holidays or during special events.
How long should I spend at Nationalmuseum?
Most visitors recommend spending 2 hours for a comprehensive visit. If you are short on time, prioritise the must-see highlights listed above.
Where is Nationalmuseum located?
Nationalmuseum is located in Stockholm, Sweden. The exact coordinates are 59.3290°, 18.0789°. You can find directions via Google Maps.
What is Nationalmuseum known for?
Sweden's national museum of fine arts. Key highlights include Renoir's La Conversation, Rembrandt's Conspiracy of Claudius Civilis, Carl Larsson murals. The museum holds a 4.7/5 rating from 7,500 reviews.
How many people visit Nationalmuseum each year?
Nationalmuseum receives approximately 700,000 visitors per year, making it one of the most-visited museums in Sweden.
When was Nationalmuseum founded?
Nationalmuseum was founded in 1866, making it 160 years old. It is categorised as a art & encyclopedic museum in our directory.
