Culture in Uppsala – Don’t Miss the Highlights

Theatre – Performing Arts That Leave a Mark

Sweden’s third-largest city theatre, Uppsala Stadsteater, constantly redefines what stage art can be – from modern and classical plays to family productions. This cultural institution, with four different stages, hosts around 500 performances a year for a total audience of about 80,000. Most plays are in Swedish, but be sure to visit the stylish theatre bar and restaurant even if you’re not catching a play!

If you prefer experimental theatre, art, and dance, don’t miss Köttinspektionen – an artist-run cultural hub on the edge of central Uppsala. Unlike the city’s larger stages, this venue offers time and space for in-depth, innovative productions in a unique setting (the building once housed a meat inspection bureau). In some of the shows the spoken, gicing non-Swedish speaking visitors a chance to enjoy s performance while visiting Uppsala.

Thought-Provoking and Colourful Art

Almost every first-time visitor to Uppsala finds their way to Uppsala Castle. While you’re there, take the opportunity to explore Uppsala Art Museum, located in one of the castle’s wings. Discover three floors of exhibitions reflecting different eras, themes, and artistic legacies – featuring both local and international artists. The permanent collection includes works by Bruno Liljefors, the Uppsala-born painter who became one of the world’s most renowned wildlife artists. The museum shop offers art books, posters, and crafts, and at the Museum Bar & Café, you can relax and let your impressions sink in.

For more art, visit Bror Hjorths Hus, the former home and studio of one of Sweden’s most important 20th-century artists. Bror Hjorth (1894–1968) was known for his bold colours and expressive forms in painting, sculpture, and reliefs – often ahead of his time. Today, his vibrant house museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions, a café corner, art education activities, and workshops for both adults and families. Even if you don’t visit the museum, you can spot some of Hjorth’s public works around Uppsala, such as the once-controversial sculpture “Näckens polska” near the central station.

Uppsala is a true paradise for museum lovers – you can easily spend an entire day exploring its museums, ranging from Viking history and dinosaur fossils to world-class art.

Katalin – Living Room for Your Favorite Artists

Legendary venue Katalin and All That Jazz is located in a historic train station warehouse next to Uppsala Central Station. It retains its rustic charm and serves as a perfect stage for concerts, shows, and stand-up shows. Check out Katalin’s packed programme – chances are, one of your favourite artists will be performing here soon.

Film – From Neighbourhood Cinema to Luxe Multiplex

Även filmälskare får sitt lystmäte i Upppsala.

Fyrisbiografen, a beloved independent cinema, has lit up S:t Olofsgatan with its glowing red neon sign since 1911 – making it one of Sweden’s oldest operating cinemas. With its two cosy auditoriums, it specialises in European and art-house films you won’t find at the major chains. You’ll likely share the audience with university students hurrying straight from their lectures.

For a more modern experience, visit Filmstaden Luxe, Uppsala’s new five-storey multiplex opened in 2024. Equipped with the latest in sound and projection technology – including both iSense and IMAX auditoriums – it offers the ultimate movie experience. On the ground floor, you’ll find a bistro and bar alongside the traditional snack counter. In several theatres, you can order food and drinks straight to your seat, sink into reclining armchairs – or even your own private sofa.

International Festivals and Concerts at UKK

The award-winning Uppsala Concert & Congress Hall (UKK) has become a cultural landmark. One of the year’s biggest events is the Uppsala International Guitar Festival, a dazzling celebration of the instrument that attracts virtuosos from around the world. Enjoy concerts, workshops, masterclasses, and seminars that explore every aspect of guitar music – proof that the art of strings is alive and thriving.

And don’t forget to check out the program for UKK in general. They host a concerts, festivals and shows almost every night and being one of the largest venues in town, they attract superstars across all genres.

Public Art Everywhere

Uppsala is renowned for its commitment to public art. Almost every major new building project in the city is accompanied by a public artwork – sometimes integrated into the architecture itself, other times as a striking landmark. Notable examples include the Fadime Sahindal Memorial, “Jonah and the Big Fish” by the River Fyris, and the cast bronze cat “Pelle Svanslös” in the City Garden. These pieces are highlights along Uppsala’s curated art walks, which combine culture and fresh air in the best possible way.

Everything Can Happen During Kulturnatten

No cultural guide to Uppsala would be complete without Kulturnatten – Sweden’s largest cultural festival of its kind. Held annually on the second Saturday of September, Kulturnatten marks a grand finale to summer. For one full day, evening, and night, every corner of Uppsala comes alive with creativity. Since its start in 1989, it has become as essential to Uppsala’s identity as Walpurgis Night. Expect concerts, art, performances, dance, film screenings, culinary experiences, and much more – wherever you go, you’ll find something to inspire you.