"Dreamland" is the National Museum of Science and Technology's Biggest Investment
Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- The National Museum of Science and Technology in Stockholm has opened its largest exhibition to date, "Drömlandet" (Dreamland).
- The exhibition, with a budget of 26 million kronor, traces Sweden's transformation from a pre-industrial society to a high-tech nation over 150 years.
- It utilizes various media, including a 12-minute film driven by a steam engine, interactive displays, and historical artifacts, to tell the story of Sweden's industrial and technological journey.
The National Museum of Science and Technology's ambitious new exhibition, "Drömlandet" (Dreamland), represents a significant cultural undertaking, charting Sweden's remarkable 150-year journey from a nascent industrial society to a global leader in technology. With a substantial investment of 26 million kronor, this exhibition is not merely a display of historical artifacts but a narrative tapestry woven with innovation, societal change, and the enduring spirit of Swedish ingenuity.
Our guests are of all different ages and constellations, so we have worked with several different media forms to make the content accessible.
"Drömlandet" offers a compelling chronological and thematic exploration, beginning with the stark realities of a pre-industrial past, marked by labor struggles and the foundational elements of the welfare state, and progressing through the vibrant colors of post-war prosperity, the rise of iconic Swedish industries like Saab and Volvo, and culminating in the digital age shaped by the internet and artificial intelligence. The exhibition's creative use of a central steam engine to power a 12-minute film across large screens is a masterful stroke, immersing visitors in the very essence of industrial transformation.
From the perspective of Dagens Nyheter, this exhibition is a vital reflection of the Swedish identity. It showcases not only our technological advancements but also the societal values that have underpinned our progress – from the concept of 'folkhemmet' (the people's home) to the embrace of innovation. The inclusion of interactive elements, such as the "Papperslandet" (Paperland) and the exploration of early domestic technology in "Hushållslandet" (Householdland), ensures that the exhibition resonates with visitors of all ages and backgrounds. The glimpse into the past with the Wallenberg family's electric car further connects the narrative to influential figures in Swedish industrial history.
One of the inventors of the refrigerator, Baltzar von Platen, wanted to create a perpetual motion machine. He made a refrigerator, but that's not so bad either.
This exhibition is more than a historical account; it is a celebration of Sweden's capacity for reinvention and its continuous pursuit of progress. It reminds us of the foundations upon which our modern, high-tech society is built and inspires a forward-looking perspective, acknowledging that the dream of innovation continues to drive us.
This belonged to the Wallenberg family, and is actually in pretty good condition apart from the batteries. If you change them, it should be possible to drive. We will try this summer.
Originally published by Dagens Nyheter in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.