Sweden's Industrial Story
The Swedish National Museum of Science and Technology, or Tekniska Museet, is the country's largest technology museum. Founded in 1924 by organizations including the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences, its mission is to preserve Sweden's technological and industrial history. The museum moved into its current functionalist-style building, designed by architect Ragnar Hjorth, in 1936.
The museum's collection is extensive, holding over 55,000 objects and artifacts. Its archives contain a massive repository of information: 1,200 shelf-meters of documents, 200,000 drawings, 800,000 images, and 40,000 books. These collections document the innovations and industrial processes that shaped the nation. Some of the oldest drawings in the archive date back to the 18th century, including plans for industrial plants and mechanical devices for mining and manufacturing. The collection includes everything from early aircraft to the 1865 Writing Ball, the first mass-produced typewriter.
Interactive Science and Technology
A major feature of the museum is MegaMind, a large, interactive exhibition designed to encourage curiosity about science and creativity. It contains nearly 50 different stations where visitors can paint with their eyes, create music with body movements, and sculpt virtual objects. The exhibition received the Children in Museums Award in 2017 for its innovative design and accessibility.
Other permanent exhibitions explore different facets of technology and industry. "Hyper Human" investigates biology and technology, looking at AI and genome editing, and artificial body parts. "Play Beyond Play" is dedicated to the world of computer games, featuring numerous game stations and imaginative environments. The museum also features a detailed model railway built in the 1950s, with over 50 meters of track winding through a realistic Swedish landscape. Another popular attraction is a simulated mine, complete with special effects, games, and powerful machinery.