Lund University Historical Museum

Nestled in the heart of Lund, Sweden, the Lund University Historical Museum (Lunds universitets historiska museum) stands as a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region. Just a stone's throw away from the medieval Lund Cathedral, this museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and stories that span thousands of years.

The Origins of the Museum

The origins of the Lund University Historical Museum can be traced back to 1735 when the physician Kilian Stobæus donated his eclectic collection of natural history items and curiosities to Lund University. This initial collection included a wide array of items such as animals, gastropods, insects, geological specimens, ethnographic objects, and archaeological finds. Following Stobæus' death, the university also acquired his extensive coin collection.

By 1805, the collection had grown so large that it was decided to split it. The natural history items were transferred to the Zoological and Botanical Museums of Lund, while the archaeological and ethnographic objects formed the foundation of what is today the Lund University Historical Museum. Some of Stobæus' original items can still be seen in the museum's Curiosity Cabinet.

The Museum Building

The museum's current home is a building that was originally constructed between 1840 and 1845 as a bishop's residence. Designed by Professor Axel Nyström and influenced by the architecture of Karl Friedrich Schinkel, the building has a storied history of its own. In 1848, the church exchanged the building with the university, which then used it to house its zoological, chemical, and physical departments.

From 1886 to 1916, the building was solely occupied by the zoological department and was known as the Zoological Museum. It wasn't until 1917, under the guidance of cathedral architect Theodor Wåhlin and museum director Otto Rydbeck, that the building was extensively renovated and became the Lund University Historical Museum. The collaboration between Wåhlin and Rydbeck resulted in one of the most modern museums of the time when it opened in 1918.

In 1994, the building was declared a national monument and has since been managed by the Swedish Property Agency. In 2018, to celebrate the museum's centenary in its current location, a new glass entrance was constructed, featuring a new reception area, a shop, and an educational workshop for children.

The Collections

The Lund University Historical Museum boasts an impressive collection of over 10 million objects, ranging from the Paleolithic era to the early modern period. One of the highlights of the collection is the archaeological finds from the Iron Age settlement of Uppåkra. The museum is responsible for preserving archaeological material, older church art, and coin finds from the entire province of Scania, with the exception of the medieval city area of Lund and the municipality of Malmö.

In 2008, the museum also took over the collection from the Lund University Museum of Antiquities, further enriching its already vast array of historical artifacts.

The Mummy of Peder Winstrup

One of the most fascinating exhibits in the Lund University Historical Museum is the remarkably well-preserved mummy of Peder Winstrup, the last Danish and first Swedish bishop of Lund. Winstrup was a key figure in the establishment of Lund University. After his death in 1679, he was buried in the crypt of Lund Cathedral. In 2013, the cathedral congregation decided to move his remains to the cemetery, prompting the museum to initiate a scientific investigation of his body.

When Winstrup's coffin was opened in November 2013, his body was found to be exceptionally well-preserved, with even his internal organs intact. A CT scan conducted in December 2014 revealed another astonishing discovery: the remains of a stillborn fetus were found in the coffin, likely a grandchild of Winstrup. This natural mummification process has provided invaluable insights into 17th-century life and health, including the origins of diseases like tuberculosis, which Winstrup is believed to have had.

Visiting the Museum

A visit to the Lund University Historical Museum offers a captivating journey through time. The Curiosity Cabinet, which showcases parts of Stobæus' original collection, is a must-see for anyone interested in the peculiar and the extraordinary. The museum's extensive archaeological exhibits provide a detailed look at the region's ancient past, while the church art collection offers a glimpse into the religious and artistic heritage of Scania.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a curious traveler, or a local looking to delve deeper into the roots of your community, the Lund University Historical Museum promises an enriching and enlightening experience. Its combination of historical significance, architectural beauty, and diverse collections makes it a standout attraction in the charming city of Lund.