The Royal Armoury – The Museum of Swedish Royal History

Once The Royal Armoury was filled with the Swedish king’s weaponry, today it displays ceremonial equipment, weapons and costumes from Swedish royals. The treasure trove spans 500 years of royal history from Sweden and international courts. Examples of some of the treasures are Gustav Vasa’s helmet from around 1540, the parade armour of King Sigismund II August from the 1570s and Queen Sofia Magdalena’s wedding dress from 1766.

The Royal Armoury is not part of The Royal Palace, though it is part of the same building. The entrance to The Royal Armoury is easy to miss, on the side of the palace look for the sign Livrustkammaren. The museum is located in the expansive cellars of the palace, this places the unique items on show in their natural royal habitat.  

The Royal Armoury has some permanent exhibits as well as changing temporary exhibits. The Exhibition on Sweden’s royal history is the main permanent exhibition. It shows the history of Sweden through its monarchy and royalty, from Gustaf Vasa to the current King Carl XVI Gustaf and his heir Victoria.

Down in the vaults of The Royal Armoury you can visit the carriage hall, with its five historic carriages. Among the carriages is the Coronation Carriage which was last modernised in 1751 and the Crown Prince’s carriage. Over in the Children’s Armoury, kids can try on dresses and knight costumes, play, read and draw to their heart’s content.

The unassuming entrance to The Royal Armoury hides its treasures within. The extraordinary costumes, gilded carriages and beautifully crafted weaponry all give an insight into the life and history of Swedish royals over the past 500 years. Book your the Royal Armoury tickets today to explore this treasure trove yourself.