Nobel Prize Museum

The Nobel Prize Museum sits in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town, on the north side of Stortorget square. It occupies the former Stock Exchange Building, a stone structure that also houses the Swedish Academy and the Nobel Library. The museum presents the Nobel Prize, its founder Alfred Nobel, and the lives of prize winners through personal stories and donated objects. Exhibits include items left by laureates alongside films and debates about science. The building’s history and central location make it a fitting place to celebrate the world’s highest honours. The museum opened in 2001 for the prize’s centenary and changed its name in 2019 when Erika Lanner became director. It aims to reflect on laureates’ achievements and look forward to new discoveries. Famous names such as Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill appear in the displays. A popular exhibition called “Sketches of Science” shows 42 laureates with drawings of their discoveries. This show has travelled to cities including Dubai and Singapore. Creative events, talks and theatre keep the space lively throughout the year. Inside, visitors find the permanent galleries filled with artefacts and life stories. The bistro serves Nobel chocolate, Swedish cakes and a special ice cream found nowhere else. Chairs in the bistro bear signatures from laureates who dined there. The shop sells chocolate medals, spicy dynamite sweets and books by prizewinners. Educational toys and unique souvenirs round out the offerings. Outside, the cobbled streets and historic buildings of Gamla Stan provide a quiet backdrop to the modern exhibits within.