Why two iconic Stockholm museums might have to close

Two central Stockholm museums face potential closure because the state property board that owns their land will charge market rents to the National Museums of World Culture, which operates them. Medelhavsmuseet sits on prime land near government offices, and Ostasiatiskamuseet is located on Skeppsholmen. The museums’ operating budget indicates that rent increases could erode operations and require an additional 35 million kronor per year. To reduce costs, the operating agency plans to terminate lease agreements for both museums. The future of the collections is uncertain, though centrally owned collections could be shown at other museums. The operating agency emphasizes that premises are important but resources are also needed for knowledge work and content development.

"Two beloved museums in central Stockholm are at risk of closing because the government agency which owns the land is now requiring the museums, which are also run by a government agency, to pay market rents on the space."

"According to Aftonbladet, the agency's budget document for 20272029 states that operations risk being "eroded" and an additional 35 million kronor per year would be needed to meet the rent hikes. In order to reduce costs, the agency plans to terminate the lease agreements for the Mediterranean Museum and the Museum of East Asia."

""My assessment is that the most realistic and long-term sustainable thing is to reduce the proportion of rented premises," Britta Soderqvist, superintendent at the National Museums of World Culture (Varldskulturmuseerna), told Aftonbladet in March."

""We need to remember that the premises are an important prerequisite, but resources are also needed to work with knowledge and content development," Soderqvist told Aftonbladet."

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