The building was designed by architects Karl M. Bengtson and Nils Einar Eriksson, the latter also being the architect behind the Gothenburg Concert Hall.
The museum houses a large collection of ship portraits, a unique genre of maritime folk art depicting specific vessels in various weather conditions.
The aquarium's renovation included the installation of a massive, multi-level 'Ocean Tank' that simulates deep-sea environments.
The institution features a dedicated 'Sea Lab' where visitors can interact with simulated marine research experiments.
The location was built specifically to house the maritime collection and aquarium, making it one of the few places in Scandinavia designed with this hybrid purpose from the outset.
The Maritime Museum & Aquarium in Gothenburg is a dual-purpose institution housed in a significant 1933 Functionalist building. The facility combines a historical maritime collection spanning centuries of Swedish seafaring with a modern, specialized aquarium. Its aquarium wing features large-scale exhibits showcasing Nordic cold-water marine life as well as tropical ecosystems. The museum highlights Gothenburg's transformation from a local harbor to a global shipping hub. Visitors can explore detailed ship models, navigation tools, and cultural artifacts related to the Swedish Merchant Navy. The site was extensively renovated and modernized in recent years, reopening with updated tank technology and exhibition spaces. It serves as an educational center for marine biology and maritime heritage. The museum is located in the Majorna district, near the Göta Älv river mouth.
The large panoramic glass viewing wall in the aquarium's main hall.
Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Masthugg Church for a panoramic view of the harbor.
Check the daily feeding schedule for the aquarium displays upon arrival at the entrance.
The top floor often hosts rotating temporary exhibitions that provide context to the permanent maritime displays.
Do not rush through the aquarium section, as it requires time for eyes to adjust to the dim, underwater-simulated lighting to see the smaller species.
Closed on Mondays.
