Hidden Cultural Gems in Uppsala

Here you’ll find tips on galleries and other places with a unique cultural offering you might not have known about – as well as special events hosted by Uppsala’s more established museums and theatres.

Unexpected Culture at the Cemetery

Uppsala’s Old Cemetery (Gamla kyrkogården) dates back to the 17th century and is a true cultural and historical treasure. Here rest several notable figures who have made their mark on history, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dag Hammarskjöld, author Malla Silfverstolpe, poet Gustaf Fröding, and, not least, Gösta Knutsson, the beloved author of the Pelle Svanslös books set in Uppsala. During summer, you can join guided tours, but you can also take a digital walk on your own with the help of your smartphone all year round.

Nearby, you’ll find both Akademihotellet and Villa Anna – two hotels perfectly located for exploring all the sights of Uppsala’s historic quarters.

Unique Cultural Venues and Galleries

Once a meat inspection office, today a cultural gem hosting exhibitions, performances, workshops, panel discussions, and festivals – Köttinspektionen Cultural Centre offers an exciting programme featuring both local and international artists, giving space to the experimental and avant-garde.

Don’t miss the chance to discover local artists from the Uppland region while in Uppsala! Konstnärernas hus (The Artists’ House) is run by the non-profit Uppsala Artists’ Association. The gallery is just a stone’s throw from the Cathedral, surrounded by the cosy cafés and boutique shops along Sysslomansgatan.

Public Art and Drink Culture in Trendy Rosendal

Rosendal is a new and vibrant district in southern Uppsala, known for its striking architecture and public art. Wander through the area and admire the bold design of the buildings and the accompanying artworks – from giant beetles and a seashell whispering the sound of the ocean to intricate wooden sculptures and more. Download the app ”Uppsala konst och kulturarv” for a self-guided tour, available in both Swedish and English.

When your feet need a break, you’ll be glad to know Rosendal also offers a taste of local food and drink culture. Kvarteret is a charming interior design shop and café that transforms into a wine bar by evening. Here you can join Melodikrysset quiz mornings on Saturdays, themed wine tastings, live music, and other events. Kvarteret feels like a living room in the heart of the city – a place for relaxation, inspiration, and great company.

Go Behind the Scenes at the City Theatre

Uppsala City Theatre is one of Sweden’s most renowned and well-attended stages – but did you know you can take a peek behind the scenes? The theatre’s guided tours take you to places normally closed to the public, from rehearsal rooms to actors’ dressing rooms. See the makeup artists work their magic with stunning transformations and wigs, explore the costume department’s impressive collection, and discover what it looks like behind the stage.

Tours are available on selected dates – book your ticket online – or arrange a private guided tour for your group.

Create the Culture Yourself

If you don’t just want to observe but also want to help shape Uppsala’s cultural life, there are plenty of opportunities to get hands-on with different creative pursuits.

If arts and crafts make your heart beat faster, Uppsala has much to offer. At the Uppsala Art Museum, you can not only admire high-quality art but also create your own. During the Museum’s Art Nights, easels are set up and ready – and of course, you get to take your masterpiece home. You can do the same at the Bror Hjorth Museum, which hosts family tours with creative workshops. There, the whole family can learn about Bror Hjorth’s art before trying out an artistic technique themselves. The museum also offers courses in painting and other art forms.

If the stage is where you belong, head to Reginateatern. They host Poetry Slam events – live poetry competitions where anyone can take part. The audience forms jury groups that score both the performance and the poem’s content. And when Fyris Comedy runs its Open Mic nights, you can unleash your inner comedian – both total beginners and seasoned performers are welcome to take the stage. The shows are in Swedish, but performing in English is perfectly fine too.