12 000 years of
dramatic history

At the Museum of Gothenburg, there’s a peculiar gold and enamel box. It’s a beautiful box, with hair set behind glass. Inside the box, there’s a handwritten note saying that the item belonged to Axel von Fersen and that the hair comes from one of history’s most famous people, Marie Antoinette. But could this really be true?

Let us take you back to a Gothenburg of the 20th century, offering glimpses of places that have strongly influenced the city’s history. Until 12 jan 2025.

In our permanent exhibition about 20th century in Gothenburg, you get to revel in our most beloved, hated and iconic Gothenburg objects and discover new sides of the city. Check out some of the most intriguing objects from our collections like the first Volvo car and a New World sea chest that crossed an ocean.

Photos, letters, diaries, interviews and newspaper clippings, as well as books and magazines. All this material is gathered in the museum collection and archives.

We collaborate with a variety of producers and designers from Gothenburg. In our book section, you’ll find Gothenburgiana, architecture, culinary arts, gardening, archaeology, and history. There’s also home decor, something for the younger ones, and historical jewelry.