Skansen Open Air Museum

 

So far, all of the museums we have gone to have been very similar, varying only in their content. Skansen, however, was nothing like the museums we have experienced before. Classified as an open air museum, it is more of a park with destinations such as a petting zoo, other assorted animal exhibits, recreations of old Swedish homes, and food/craft stalls. There was also a wide variety of musical performances happening at any given moment including plays, Swedish dancing, and string instrument performances. You can roam around for hours through the beautiful greenery, admiring the old Swedish architecture (and even stop at some fun wooden horses that are definitely meant for children!). There is typical park fare, sausages, and even bakeries with Swedish classics such as cinnamon buns and princess cake. This open air museum is an ideal activity for families and there was never a shortage of children running around with their parents not far behind. Overall, it was a lovely destination with activities for all ages. I'm a fan of open air museums!

This museum is a prime example of Swedish culture and what they want their country to be able to offer. Skansen is the oldest open air museum in Sweden. The creator, Artur Hazelius, wanted to show how Swedes lived their life before the industrial era. It transports us back to a time when people had to survive off of their own goods and trades. It is an important part of Swedish history that has been preserved in a beautiful park that can be visited by so many people, not just from Sweden, but from around the world. It allows many people to learn about the culture of Sweden and allows them to transport themselves back in time (if they have a good enough imagination!). 

Skansen shows how important Sweden feels it is for its citizens to be in touch with their own history. This is such an important part of Swedish culture and something that we see a lot of throughout Stockholm. The Skansen Open Air museum kind of takes all of these elements and wraps them up into one wonderful package. So much of this place is focused on the culture of Sweden, and it does this in so many different ways (animals, structures, people, etc.!). It strengthens the community and culture of Stockholm by allowing everyone to learn and get in touch with it themselves. It is an immersive historical experience that educates everyone who enters and keeps culture from the past alive in the present.

Extra information from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skansen