A girl is standning in front of a exhibition and listening to an audio track.
Photo: Lovisa Brämming, Järnvägsmuseet/SMTM CC-BY

Exhibitions

The Swedish Railway Museum’s exhibitions tell the story of Sweden's railways, its people and its future.

The railway has not only impacted the possibilities for travel and freight transport, but also the development of society, technology, the natural and cultural landscape, and the individual, both historically and today. The story of the railway spans a time when Sweden is developing from an agriculture-based society to a post-industrial nation. It is inspired by the courage and bold visions of individuals, as well as by dreams of experiencing new people and environments.

Exhibition hall Festen at Swedish Railway Museum in Gävle.

Celebration

Welcome to the opening ceremony! The feast is laid out, the mayor has his speech ready, and the magnificent steam locomotive Prins August is in place.

A historical carriage, a exhibition stand and a screen with a black and white film showing is standing in an exhibition hall.

Construction

This exhibition tells the story of railway construction – of the contractors who made sure the railway network spread across the country and of the navvies who laid the rails. Here, adults and children alike can try their hand at lifting rails.

Rail road related objects are on display, you can see working clothes and a big watch.

The People of the Railway

Here we meet the people who worked on the railway, which was Sweden’s largest employer at the time.

To the right there is a black steam locomotive and to the left there is a grey passanger car. In between them there are stairs so you can look into the train cars.

Electrification

Sweden has no coal of its own! Well, there is a little. But the country is extremely vulnerable if a crisis were to occur. The railways take this very seriously, and in the 1890s railway electrification begins.

A wall filled with historical travel posters in different colors.

The Travellers

Experience first, second and third class travel in the early 20th century. Here we also show you a marvellous restaurant carriage from the 1930s, painstakingly restored.

a family is standing in a dark exhibition hall and in front of them you can see lit up displays

World War II

The outbreak of World War II creates serious trade barriers. The situation is exacerbated by the German occupation of Norway and Denmark in the spring of 1940. Rail transport becomes crucial to get food and heating fuel to the cities.

a big grey train car is standing to the right in an exhibition hall

Threats to the Railway

Competition with other modes of transport, environmental scandals involving the railway, accidents and safety – threats to the railway increase in the 1960s.

Close up of the front of a red train car with white details. Big glowing lights are on each side of the front.

The Present and the Future

In the last exhibition room, visitors are invited to step into the present with a view to the future. Drive a classic RC locomotive, enter the X2000 and listen to railway music!