Röhsska Museum

Overview

The Röhsska Museum is Sweden's only museum of design and decorative arts, covering everything from East Asian ceramics and medieval textiles to contemporary Scandinavian furniture. The Art Nouveau building itself is a design statement, opened in 1916.

Highlights

• Scandinavian Design Floor: Iconic pieces from Alvar Aalto, Arne Jacobsen, and Swedish textile giants like Josef Frank.
• East Asian Collections: Chinese and Japanese ceramics, lacquerware, and textiles spanning 3,000 years.
• Fashion and Textile Gallery: Rotating exhibitions showcasing haute couture alongside everyday Swedish clothing trends.

History

The museum was founded in 1916 with a donation from members of the Röhss family, prominent Gothenburg industrialists. Architect Carl Westman designed the building in a National Romantic style. It has been undergoing periodic renewals while preserving its original façade and interiors.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: The museum shop stocks excellent Scandinavian design books and gifts.
• Tip 2: Closed Mondays. Free admission on Wednesdays after 16:00.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.