The Nobel Prize Museum occupies the old Stock Exchange building on Stortorget, the square at the heart of Gamla Stan, and it is the best place in Stockholm to understand the prizes that make the city famous every December. Its exhibitions explore the life of Alfred Nobel, the inventor and industrialist whose will created the prizes, and the work of the laureates in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace, mixing objects donated by winners with films and changing temporary shows. It is small enough to see in about an hour, but rich enough to fill longer. Guided tours run regularly, and the Tiqets ticket includes the current exhibitions and a smartphone audio guide. The bistro is known for a nice tradition: laureates visiting the museum sign the underside of its chairs. The museum is closed on Mondays and open late one evening a week. Children up to eighteen go free with an adult, and large bags are discouraged.
When to go: weekday mornings are quietest. In early December, around Nobel Week, the museum has a special buzz and related events, though the city is busy.
How to visit: take a guided tour for the best stories, or follow the audio guide. Allow time for the bistro, where you can turn a chair over to look for a signature.
Pairing: it is on Stortorget, so combine it with Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace a minute away and a tour of City Hall, where the Nobel banquet is held.
What to expect
The experience
Exhibitions on Alfred Nobel and the laureates, with objects, films, temporary shows, guided tours and an audio guide.
Best time
Weekday mornings, or the weekly late evening.
How long
An hour to ninety minutes.
Tips
Closed Mondays. Leave large bags at your hotel, join a guided tour and look under the bistro chairs.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious minds and anyone in Stockholm around Nobel Week.
- Families
- Under-eighteens go free with an adult; best for older children.
- Couples
- A morning visit, then fika on Stortorget.
- Pair with
- Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace and City Hall.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
Where is the Nobel Prize Museum?+
In the old Stock Exchange building on Stortorget in Gamla Stan.
Is the Nobel Prize Museum open on Mondays?+
No, it is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday to Sunday, with one late evening a week.
Is the Nobel Prize Museum free for children?+
Yes, children up to eighteen go free when accompanied by an adult.
What is the chair tradition?+
Laureates who visit sign the underside of chairs in the museum bistro.
How long does a visit take?+
About an hour, longer with a guided tour and the bistro.