Bohusläns museum in Uddevalla - an interesting visit

Writer: Helena Bergström

Bohusläns Museum in Uddevalla is a really nice museum that tells about the culture and history of the area. Here you can learn more about what it is like to live by the sea, and to live in a borderland.

Bohusläns museum in Uddevalla

Visiting Bohusläns Museum is completely free and the exhibitions are both beautiful and interesting, so we highly recommend a visit here!

Bohusläns museum is located at Museigatan 1 in the centre of Uddevalla.

Stories of Bohuslän - coastal, border and Uddevalla through the ages

Bohusläns Museum focuses on the culture and history of Bohuslän. The permanent exhibitions, which in time will be replaced by new permanent exhibitions, tell us about what it is like to live on the coast and in a border area. Throughout history, the sea has brought people much joy, but also anxiety, sorrow and hard work.

The exhibition that stuck with us the most was the one about living in a border area. Here you can read lots of interesting stories about how people throughout history have fought wars, traded across the border, smuggled or perhaps "fallen" in love.

For example, we could read about Norwegian Esther and Swedish Hans, who were separated by the border during World War II. But they had a plan! They got married in the middle of the river - she standing on the Norwegian side and he on the Swedish side - and once they were married, Esther could legally enter her new homeland.

There is also a small exhibition about the Travellers, who were also affected by the border. For example, we could read about Vilhelm Korsgård, who had the house in Sweden and the outhouse in Norway!

On the same floor there is a large exhibition on the history of Uddevalla. This exhibition tells, for example, how the Swedes burned down the town in the 17th century and later took power. It also tells of various ups and downs in history, such as the abundant herring seasons and the 'three accidents' of the 19th century - the town burned down, the herring season ended and the town suffered unemployment.

Art - Art Gallery, Johnson Hall and Bernhardson Room

Bohuslän's museum also has a lot of art. Here you will find the Art Hall with various temporary exhibitions, the Johnson Hall - an art collection from the 17th to 19th centuries donated by John Johnson - and the Bernhardson Room with folklife paintings from the coast by Carl Gustaf Bernhardson.

Boats in the boat hall

The museum also has a boat hall with traditional utility and pleasure boats from Bohuslän. In addition to the fun of seeing the well-maintained boats, it smells great here!

Temporary exhibitions at Bohusläns Museum

In addition to the permanent exhibitions, you will find various temporary exhibitions, partly in the form of art but also completely different topics. Right now (until 30 October 2022) you can see MOD - an exhibition about the fight for women's right to vote in Bohuslän. We really liked this exhibition! Very interesting and engaging!

Where can you live or stay with your campervan?

If you're travelling by motorhome and want to check out the Bohuslän Museum, you'll find a site right next door at Museigatan 2. Other options include Hafsten Resort & Camping or a site on Rödön, Lindesnäs.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

When you visit Bohusläns Museum, you will of course want to experience the rest of the area, including the beautiful surrounding natural areas. There is also more to experience both along the coast and inland!

• Things to do in Uddevalla
• Things to do in Lysekil 
• Visiting Skaftö
• Things to do in Trollhättan 
• Things to do in Vänersborg

Have you visited Bohusläns Museum?

Have you visited the Bohuslän Museum in Uddevalla? Do you like going to museums?

Facts about Bohusläns Museum

• Address: Museigatan 1, Uddevalla
• More info: You can find more information at the museum's website.

Opening hours and prices

• Regular opening hours: Monday 10:00-16:00, Tuesday to Thursday 10:00-20:00 and Friday to Sunday 10:00-16:00 (2022).
• Different opening hours: Opening hours differ on holidays such as Easter, May Day, Ascension Day, Pentecost, Midsummer, Christmas and New Year. See the museum's website for current opening hours.
• Prices: Free entry to the museum and all exhibitions unless otherwise stated.

Services and practical information

• Shop: There is a museum shop with crafts, ceramics and handicrafts from local artisans. The shop also sells soaps and bath products related to Uddevalla's history as a health resort.
• Food service: Restaurant Kajkanten serves lunch and coffee.

Tours and activities

• Activities: Various activities are organised, such as lectures, concerts, theme days, openings, films or guided tours. See the museum's calendar for information.
• App: JOHNSON 2.0 is an interactive art app.
• Activities for children: The playroom welcomes the smallest visitors.
• Conference and events: It is possible to organise a conference, fair, meeting, party, workshop, event or training in Bohuslän Museum's premises.

Accessibility

• Parking: Parking for people with a permit is available at the museum entrance facing the museum park.
• Entrance: The entrance has an automatic door opener.
• Availability of premises: There is a lift to the upper floor and to the Shelf.
• Toilet: There is an accessible toilet in the entrance hall, door width 90 cm.
• Visual impairment and hearing loss: Stairs are marked with colour on the top and bottom steps. A hearing loop is available in the Lecture Theatre, the Dining Room and the Shelf. 

Getting to the Bohuslän Museum

• Car: Set your GPS to "Bohusläns museum". About 50 metres from the museum, there is a large paid car park in the Kampenhofs area.
• Bicycle: Bike racks are available at the museum entrance.
• Bus: Go to the Kampenhof bus terminal. The museum is about 50 metres from the terminal.
• Trains: Go to Uddevalla central station. From the centre it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the museum.
• Boat: The museum is located at Bäveån in Byfjorden. Due to the risk of landslides, it is no longer possible to moor at the museum's guest jetty.

READ MORE: Things to do in Bohuslän - tips on sights and experiences