Bohuslän Museum

The current museum building, which opened in 1984, was constructed to accommodate the expanded activities and collections of the newly formed county museum. This facility replaced earlier locations and was designed to serve as a modern cultural house for all. The building houses the main exhibitions, the art hall, the museum shop, and the restaurant. It is located at Museigatan 1 in Uddevalla. The construction of the new museum in the early 1980s marked a significant expansion of the institution's physical presence, allowing for the display of its growing collections and the hosting of a wide range of cultural events and temporary exhibitions.

The museum holds approximately 50,000 object artifacts, over 700,000 archaeological items, 400,000 photographs, and 800 films. Notable collections include the John Johnson Art Collection, comprising 67 works by Swedish and European masters from the 17th to early 20th centuries, bequeathed to the city of Uddevalla. The museum also houses 526 works by Carl Gustaf Bernhardson, a folk-life painter from Skaftö, displayed in a dedicated permanent exhibition. Other significant holdings include the Bohus Stickning textile collection, featuring garments and patterns from the famous knitting company founded in the 1930s, and extensive maritime artifacts including boats and fishing equipment. The natural history collection features diverse specimens, from local flora and fauna to exotic animals like koalas, reflecting the region's historical connections to global trade.

Bohuslän Museum plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting the cultural heritage of the Bohuslän region. As one of Sweden's most visited museums, it serves as a 'memory bank' for the community, collecting stories and objects that might otherwise be lost. The institution is not only a repository of artifacts but also an active participant in cultural heritage management, conducting archaeological research, documenting landscapes and buildings, and advising on construction projects to protect cultural values. Its work spans from prehistoric archaeology to contemporary art, reflecting the diverse history and identity of the region. The museum's commitment to free entry and extensive programming ensures broad public access to history, art, and nature.