Kulturen in Lund - Museum of Cultural History and Open-Air Museum

About

Kulturen in Lund is one of Scandinavia’s most cherished open‑air museums, situated on a two‑block site in the heart of Lund, south Sweden. Founded in 1892 by the Association for the Cultural History of Southern Sweden, the museum preserves a collection that spans from the Middle Ages to the 1930s, with more than 250,000 artifacts, half a million photographs and one million archaeological finds. Visitors walk through relocated historic houses and public buildings—such as the Nobleman’s House, the Burgher’s House, the Church and the farmhouse—arranged to illustrate the everyday life of Scania’s past. The site is complemented by gardens and cobblestone streets that recreate the region’s traditional ambiance. Beyond the outdoor exhibits, Kulturen hosts a rotating programme of indoor exhibitions covering themes from medieval archaeology to 20th‑century fashion, folk art, and design. The museum also offers a range of educational activities for all ages, including festivals, traditions such as “Children’s Day” and “Ghost Night,” and a café and restaurant. Membership grants free entry not only to Kulturen in Lund but also to nine other open‑air museums across the Nordic region, underscoring its role as a cultural hub for the community. The museum’s historical narrative is tightly linked to Lund’s urban development: the discovery of medieval artifacts during the city’s 1890s sewer works led to the creation of the museum, and subsequent acquisitions—from the Östarp farm estate to the expansion of the city block—expanded its scope to embrace both rural and urban heritage. Today, Kulturen remains a vibrant destination where visitors experience Sweden’s cultural history through living buildings, interactive displays, and a rich tapestry of exhibitions that celebrate the changing lifestyles of southern Sweden.

At a glance

• Typical visit: about 3 hours