Myth, Power and People
The permanent exhibition Myth, Power and People at Gamla Uppsala Museum presents original artefacts, a large-scale model of the site and stories about the rulers and their burial mounds—at the heart of one of Sweden's most legendary archaeological landscapes.
An exhibition about Gamla Uppsala
Discover a place where history, myth and power come together. At Gamla Uppsala Museum, the permanent exhibition Myth, Power and People explores the site's unique history from the Late Iron Age to AD 1164, when Christianity became firmly established and Gamla Uppsala became the seat of Sweden's first archbishop.
The exhibition introduces visitors to Gamla Uppsala's role as one of the political and religious centres of early Sweden. On display are original artefacts from archaeological excavations, a large model of the landscape featuring the monumental Royal Mounds, and illustrations and reconstructions that reveal life—and death—in this remarkable community.
Visitors can explore the Royal Mounds and the objects discovered within them, many of which demonstrate connections with distant parts of the known world. Through artefacts, images and interpretive displays, the exhibition presents current archaeological research alongside myths and historical traditions, highlighting Gamla Uppsala's importance during the transition from Norse paganism to Christianity.
The exhibition complements the archaeological site outside the museum, where visitors can experience the Royal Mounds, runestones and the remains of elite residences.
Gamla Uppsala Museum also serves as the visitor centre for the archaeological site, offering an evidence-based introduction to one of Scandinavia's most legendary and historically significant places.
On the upper floor, you can also visit the exhibition Interpret If You Can, which opened on 27 January 2024.
