Ralph Appelbaum Associates

The Economy Museum in Stockholm, formerly the Royal Coin Cabinet, unveiled its new permanent exhibition in spring 2024. Its focus has shifted from mere coin presentation to the history of money and economics in Sweden.

This interactive museum aims to enhance economic literacy among citizens, particularly school-age audiences, fostering a more engaged society. Located in a wing of the Swedish History Museum, the exhibition features a passage leading into an introduction area and a two-story main hall. The design immerses visitors as they explore fundamental questions about the economy and money, starting with an installation that illustrates everyday economic actions.

The “Economy & Us” section showcases significant objects representing diverse cultures and economic systems through interactive installations emphasizing money as a means of human interaction. The main hall presents Swedish economic history from the Middle Ages to the present, segmented into six eras: the Introduction of Money, the Rise of the State, Early Globalization, Industrialization, the Welfare State, and Contemporary Globalization. Transparent textile screens delineate these periods, each uniquely colored and featuring iconic imagery.

Every era offers interactive exhibits, such as showcases with valuable objects and tree-like installations for hands-on activities. Visitors can piece together features of the first Swedish coin or engage in historical board games. The gallery level is designed for flexibility and interactivity, ensuring visitors have a memorable and enlightening experience as they journey through Sweden’s economic evolution.