The world’s first open-air museum Skansen closes - for the first time in 129 years

Skansen has, by being an outdoor arena, had the opportunity to remain open in accordance with current restrictions and in a safe way for our guests since the start of Covid-19. Staying open, together with the support that has been shown for the Skansen Foundation, has been crucial for our survival during this trying year.

- To make the decision to close down Skansen is difficult but right. We are in an extremely serious financial situation where we are fighting for our survival. In the past we have made the assessment that we can stay open since we are an open-air museum, while we have limited the number of visitors and adapted our business to make it safe for our guests. But when we now see the development of Covid-19 going in the wrong direction, in combination with The Swedish Government's clear message this week, we believe that we should close to further contribute to a reduced spread of infection and a safe society for all, says John Brattmyhr, CEO of Skansen.

Skansen is financed to a quarter by the state, which means that revenues of usually SEK 200 million must be secured by own power, where entrance fees are by far the largest source of revenue. During the pandemic, Skansen has received temporary support packages, but this does not solve the seriousness of the economic situation in the long term.

- We must survive here and now, but at the same time we must be more innovative than ever to develop our offer to guests and create new income. The challenge of modifying our business at the same time as our employees are combined with the fact that we don´t have the basic financial conditions for development, is extremely difficult to solve, John Brattmyhr continues.

The entrances to Skansen will be closed from Friday 27th of November. If you have any thoughts or questions, please take a look at our most common questions and answers at skansen.se/skansencloses. Questions and answers are updated continuously.