Can you imagine a museum in the shape of a ship? The truth is that it exists, and it is in Sweden. This unique space houses a XNUMXth century galleon that was rescued from the bottom of the sea. If you are interested in the subject or are thinking of taking a trip to Stockholm, I recommend that you continue reading.
In this article we will explain what is the ship-shaped museum and what is the history of the ship it houses. We will also give some practical information in case you want to spend a day visiting it.
The ship-shaped museum in Stockholm
In the capital of Sweden, Stockholm, we can find a curious museum in the shape of a ship, called the Vasa Museum. It stands out for housing the warship called Vasa, a ship from the XNUMXth century. In fact, It is the best-preserved ship from that time in the world. It is a true treasure, since 98% of its pieces are original and it has hundreds of various carved sculptures. Since this museum opened in 1990, it has become one of the most visited in Scandinavia. For this reason it was extended between 2011 and 2013.
Apart from the galleon, the ship-shaped museum houses different exhibits related to the brief but long history of the Vasa. In addition, it has a fairly popular restaurant that serves food, pastries and snacks. There is also a well-stocked shop inside the museum. The ticket price includes guided tours in English, which take place several times a day. For non-English speaking people, audio guides are available in various languages, and for the little ones there is a children's short film that is projected on the Vasa in different languages throughout the day.
Why did the Vasa sink?
In the year 1626 the construction of the Vasa began in Stockholm, commissioned by the Swedish king Gustav Adolf II. To make it, more than 400 women and men had to participate. Finally they managed to create a robust three-masted vessel that could carry up to ten sails. She had a height of 52 meters while the length was equivalent to 69 meters. This huge galleon weighed around 1200 tons. They equipped the Vasa with 64 guns, which was to give it a prominent place in the Swedish navy of that time.
However, two years after the start of its construction, on August 10, 1628, this imposing ship set sail from the berth that was under the Tre Kronor Castle, leaving the port. After receiving several blows of wind, the Vasa ended up tilting, allowing the water to enter through the open ports where the cannons peeked out. until finally sinking. There were about 150 people on board, of which 30 lost their lives. Regarding the Vasa, she would not see sunlight again until after 333 years.
But how could such a large ship be sunk like this? As well, in the XNUMXth century, theoretical calculations on the stability of boats were not yet carried out. When building a boat, people relied on previous experiences. When they wanted to introduce novelties, such as the heavy artillery loaded on a double battery in the case of the Vasa, they first had to try and see how it went, and according to the result, modify future constructions. Thus, the weight on the waterline of this majestic ship was too much, which is why she was unable to straighten up and regain her balance when the gusts of wind appeared.
Useful information
If you are on a trip to Stockholm and don't know what to do, visiting this ship-shaped museum is a great option. The address at which it is located is Galärvarvsvägen 14. You can access there both on foot and by bicycle, at least being in a more or less close place. From the city center it takes approximately twenty minutes on foot, while by bike it takes about ten.
We can also go by public transport, specifically by bus, ferry or tram. Another option is to go by car, although it can be a bit difficult to find parking spaces. There are usually free places on the Strandvägen and Narvavägen roads and on the Djurgårdsbron bridge. There are disabled parking spaces at the main entrance of the Vasa Museum.
In the event that you decide to visit this incredible place, it is advisable not to carry very large bags, since there are no left-luggage options there. Also, it doesn't hurt to have a sweater on hand, since temperatures usually range between 18ºC and 20ºC in order to preserve the Vasa correctly. It should be said that it is allowed to make video and photo recordings, as long as they are for private use.
Prices and hours of the museum in the shape of a ship
Before visiting the Vasa Museum, it is important to consider the prices and hours. Both vary by season, but people 18 and under are always free. Let's see what the entry prices are:
- October to April: 170 kr (equivalent to about €15,75)
- May to September: 190 kr (equivalent to about €17,60)
- Combined ticket for the Vasa and Vrak Museum (Maritime Archaeological Museum), valid for 72 hours: 290 kr (equivalent to about €26,85)
It should be noted that children under 12 must always be accompanied by an adult during the visit. Also, the Vasa Museum is a cash free museum. You can pay with VISA, American Express, Master Card, Maestro and Diners Club International.
As for schedules of the museum in the shape of a boat, are the following:
- Every day from June to August: Of 08: 30 18 to: 00 hours.
- Every day from September to May: From 10:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. (Wednesdays until 20:00 p.m.).
- December 31: Of 10: 00 15 to: 00 hours.
- December 24 and 25: Closed.
Inside the Vasa Museum we can find in a restaurant, but with slightly different hours:
- Every day from June to August: Of 09: 00 17 to: 30 hours.
- Every day from September to May: Of 10: 00 16 to: 00 hours.
- December 31: Of 10: 00 14 to: 30 hours.
- December 24 and 25: Closed.
You already have enough information to decide whether to visit the ship-shaped museum or not, although it is highly recommended to do so. I hope you get a chance to spend a day exploring the Vasa galleon!