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Museum · Kalmar, Kalmar
Kalmar läns museum
The regional museum of Kalmar, in an old steam mill at the harbor, with the finds from the warship Kronan, which sank off Öland in 1676: cannons, gold coins, instruments and crew personal items.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Kalmar läns museum
The Kalmar läns museum, the provincial museum of Kalmar, occupies an old steam mill at the harbor, a large brick building. The main exhibition is that of the Kronan, one of the largest warships in Europe in the 17th century, which sank in 1676 off the south of Öland, with more than eight hundred men aboard, during a battle against the fleets of Denmark and the Netherlands.
The ship's remains were found in 1980 at a depth of 26 meters, and since then divers and archaeologists have recovered tens of thousands of objects. The museum displays bronze cannons, the largest hoard of gold coins found in Sweden, navigational instruments, weapons, clothing, tableware, musical instruments such as a trumpet, and personal items of the crew. A reconstruction of part of the deck shows what life on board was like.
Other rooms cover the history of the region, from prehistory to the city of Kalmar, and the art and culture of the province. The museum has temporary exhibitions and a café.
Together with the castle, it is Kalmar's main option for rainy days.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1½ to 2 hours.
Best time
Any time of year; it's a good option on rainy days. Check the opening times, which change with the season.
How to get there
It is in the harbor of Kalmar, on Skeppsbrogatan, a 5-minute walk from the train station and the cathedral.
Tip
Start with the Kronan exhibition on the main floor, and see the gold coins and the trumpet. Combine it with the castle, a 15-minute walk away.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Kalmar läns museum
What is the Kronan?
A Swedish warship from the 17th century that sank in 1676 off Öland. The wreck's finds are in the museum of Kalmar.
Is the museum similar to the Vasa museum in Estocolmo?
No. The Kronan was not raised intact, and the museum displays the objects found on the seafloor, not the ship.
Is the museum near the station?
Yes, a 5-minute walk away, in the harbor.