Malmö Museum (Malmö Museer) at Malmöhus Castle

A Renaissance Castle with Stories in Every Stone

Malmö Museum is anchored in Malmöhus Castle, a red-brick fortress originally founded in the 15th century and rebuilt in the 16th century as a Renaissance stronghold. Thick ramparts, a surrounding moat and a drawbridge-style entrance hint at its former life as both defensive bastion and royal residence. For centuries, this was a strategic outpost guarding the Öresund strait, and its chambers witnessed coin minting, royal visits and long periods as a prison. Inside, vaulted halls and low, echoing corridors create an atmospheric backdrop for displays on power, war and daily life. Cannon towers, old dungeons and the knightly interiors give a tangible sense of how it felt to live and work within these walls. Rather than preserving the castle as a static monument, the museum weaves its history into a wider story about Malmö and the region.

From Medieval Town to Modern City

One strand of the museum focuses squarely on the city’s evolution, tracing Malmö’s journey from medieval trading port to industrial powerhouse and today’s multicultural hub. Carefully curated rooms show how everyday life changed through the centuries: guilds and markets, shipyards and factories, housing reforms and social movements. Objects such as tools, domestic furnishings, shopfronts and archival photographs are used to illuminate themes like migration, urban planning and the relationship with neighbouring Denmark. Models and maps show how land reclamation and infrastructure reshaped the coastline. For visitors new to Malmö, this is an excellent primer on the city’s character, tying the historic castle setting to the urban landscape just outside the moat.

Aquarium, Nature and Science Under One Roof

One of the museum’s biggest surprises is its focus on nature and science, including a popular aquarium. Here, tanks display marine life from the brackish waters of the Öresund strait alongside more exotic species, pairing close-up encounters with information about ecosystems, climate and conservation. Elsewhere, natural history galleries showcase regional wildlife, geology and global biodiversity with dioramas, specimens and interactive elements suited to curious children and adults alike. Technology- and maritime-themed sections complement this, exploring shipping, engineering and innovation with full-size vehicles, ship models and hands-on exhibits. The overall feel is that of a varied science and culture centre rather than a single-topic museum.

Art, Design and Changing Exhibitions

Within the same complex, Malmö Art Museum adds a strong cultural dimension, presenting Nordic and international art from the 16th century onwards. Historical paintings, sculpture and applied art share space with modern and contemporary works, giving a broad view of artistic currents in the region. Temporary shows often delve into themes that bridge art, history and social issues, using the castle and surrounding buildings as characterful exhibition spaces. This mix of permanent displays and rotating programs means repeat visits can offer very different experiences. Quiet galleries with high windows and exposed brick create memorable settings for both classic and experimental works.

Moats, Parks and Time to Linger

Outside, the museum complex is framed by a broad moat, grassy banks and neighbouring city parks, creating a relaxed green pocket in central Malmö. Paths along the water and views back to the red-brick walls and towers make this a pleasant place to pause before or after exploring the indoor exhibits. Many visitors treat Malmö Museum as a half-day destination, combining castle interiors, aquarium, history and art at an unhurried pace. Benches, cafés nearby and easy access to surrounding gardens make it straightforward to break up a visit with fresh air and snacks. The combination of substantial content and gentle surroundings makes this one of the city’s most satisfying cultural stops.

Practicalities for Planning Your Visit

The museum generally opens from late morning to late afternoon, with extended hours on at least one weekday and seasonal variations; Monday is usually the weekly closure day outside the main summer period. A single ticket covers the castle and associated museum spaces, with adult prices in the region of 100 SEK and reduced rates for students and seniors, while children and teenagers often enter free. Most of the complex is designed to be accessible, with lifts and level routes in key areas, though some historic stairways and narrow passages in the oldest sections may be challenging for wheelchairs or strollers. Expect to spend two to four hours if you wish to explore the main exhibitions, the aquarium and the surrounding outdoor areas in a comfortable, unhurried way.