THE BIRTH OF GOTHENBURG
THE BIRTH OF GOTHENBURG
Experience the 1600s from the bedside, parlour and alleyway and get to know the very first citizens of Gothenburg.
The Museum of Gothenburg is getting a head start on the 400th anniversary of the City of Gothenburg with an exhibition about the city’s birth and childhood. Join us on a journey through history and get to know the very first Gothenburgers, try out 1600s-style social media, listen to the popular music of the times and help to solve the mystery of who wore the Silver Heart ornament around their neck!
The Birth of Gothenburg is the story of the city’s childhood and teenage years. It was a time of childhood diseases, war and conflict, before the city grew up to become a multicultural trading metropolis with influences from around the world. The Birth of Gothenburg is also the story of the vulnerable individual, who are not always seen and heard in historical narratives.
We start with the late medieval town of Nya Lödöse, whose remains have lain hidden for hundreds of years underneath today’s Old Town. Recent excavations of the city and unique finds shed new light on Gothenburg’s early history. With the help of real life stories, unique objects and archaeological finds we glimpse what everyday life was like in the 1500s and 1600s.
We convey knowledge about Gothenburg’s bustling history via visual and interactive scenes specially developed together with dramaturges and our main target group, young people aged 13 to 16. The exhibition is also being held in close collaboration with the Funktek project, which works on accessibility at the Museum of Gothenburg. Everyone should be able to experience our exhibitions.
You are welcome to take a journey through Gothenburg of the 1600s, peek into the sumptuous baroque salon of the privileged class and visit the city’s poor districts.
The Birth of Gothenburg gives you new perspectives on the city – both now and then.
TRAILER FOR THE EXHIBITION:
The exhibition is a part of Gothenburgs 400th anniversary.
Urbanum
Urbanum is a meeting place for anyone who wants to take a fresh look at the city. Join us on a journey which starts before Gothenburg even existed. Meet today’s enthusiasts, see historic films and hang out in our cosy reading corner.
Gothenburg's wardrobe
In our fashion exhibition, we peak through the gateway to another time. What can be learned from a single piece of clothing? What can fashion reveal about its time? And what impact can the museum’s fashion collection have on us today?
US & THEM
US & THEM is a exhibition on tour made by The Police Museum in Stockholm, in collaboration with young people.
Permanent exhibitions
In the Museum's permanent exhibitions, you can explore the history of Gothenburg. Hear the stories about the Viking Gods and discover the rich images from the Middle ages. You can see how the city has developed from a fortified town in the 17th century to the present, through the new ideas of the 18th century who changed the city.
Prehistoric time
During 12,000 years, there have been people in the western Swedish environment. How did people live so long ago, and what traces are left? Meet the Rolfsåkers-man from the stone age and see objects unearthed from this period.
Vikingr - between Oden and Christ
A farmer who ditched out down by the river Göta älv, suddenly stumbled upon what would later prove to be a Viking ship. See the unique Äskeskärrsskeppet and follow the Vikings exciting story!
1700s Gothenburg
Join us on a journey of a city in transformation! Gothenburg is full of life and movement and is characterized by new ideas, influences and experiences from abroad.
1800s: people in motion
Gothenburg was one of the most dynamic cities in the 1800s. Follow its development and residents during an exciting era!
Precious Pieces
In an 18th century cellar vault we open a new exhibition comprising valuable, unique objects from the museum’s collections – objects rarely shown to the public.
THE BIRTH OF GOTHENBURG
Experience the 1600s from the bedside, parlour and alleyway and get to know the very first citizens of Gothenburg.
Children's museum
In our Children's Museum you can be part of an exhibition, climb high-rise buildings, crawl through tunnels and lots more.
LETTING LOOSE
In the 1960s and ’70s, a radical generation of performing artists stepped into the limelight. Young people crushed traditions, challenged conventions and changed the rules of the game for the future performing arts scene in Gothenburg. Come and enter a turbulent age!
Previous exhibitions
Read more about our previous exhibitions.
Presskontakt
Visit the press room for press photos and news.