Museum
The National Archives of Sweden
The National Archives of Sweden is a museum.
About The National Archives of Sweden
Identity & Mandate
The National Archives of Sweden (Riksarkivet) is a state administrative authority organized under the Ministry of Culture. Its primary mandate is to preserve society's archival information for future generations and ensure its accessibility. The institution is headed by the Riksarkivarie (National Archivist), a position currently held by Karin Åström Iko, who oversees strategic issues and overall coordination. The archives also house the National Herald Board, which manages the design of coats of arms, flags, and emblems for governmental bodies, counties, and other entities, continuing the state's heraldic operations since the closure of the separate board in 1953.
History & Founding
The National Archives is one of Sweden's oldest public authorities, with roots tracing back to the Middle Ages. Originally limited to the Royal Office, the institution gradually subsumed responsibility for archives of other central and local authorities. A significant fire in 1419 impacted the early records, and the archives were historically associated with the Royal Office before expanding. In 1899, regional archives were established in seven cities to preserve documents from regional and local governments, a process that continued until 1935. The institution also manages the 'Novgorod occupation archives,' reflecting its role in preserving diverse historical records.
Building & Architecture
The National Archives previously occupied the Gamla Riksarkivet (Old National Archives) on Riddarholmen in Stockholm until 1968. This building, located at Arkivgatan 3, was constructed between 1877 and 1890 under the design of architect Axel F. Nyström. It features 19th-century Brick Romanesque architecture, alluding to the medieval history of Riddarholmen, with a grand central portion and huge windows for the reading room. The building was designed as a fireproof repository following a previous fire in 1697 and is connected to the Stenbock Palace. The archives moved to a new location in 1968, with the current postal address listed as Box 7223, 187 13 Täby.
Collection Highlights
The holdings of the National Archives are extensive, amounting to approximately 750 kilometers of shelving as of 2015. The collection includes the oldest document listed in 2005, a parchment from the Middle Ages. Notable holdings include feudal archives from the 17th and 18th centuries, such as the Skokloster, Sjöholms, Stafsund, and Ericsberg archives, as well as collections of statesmen and cultural personalities. The archives also contain personal archives obtained through donations and confiscations, archives of non-governmental associations and businesses, and news archives. Additionally, the institution holds the 'Novgorod occupation archives' and has collaborated on the digitization of copyright-free Swedish newspapers.
Significance & Regulatory Role
The National Archives plays a critical regulatory role in Sweden through its regulations, RA-FS and RA-MS, which dictate how public records should be created, organized, reported, deleted, stored, and submitted to the repository. These rules apply to government agencies and other groups storing public records. The institution's significance extends to its heraldic function, where it produces new heraldic images for newly formed governmental bodies. The archives also serve as a vital resource for historical research, preserving the nation's documentary heritage and making it accessible for future generations, as stated in its mission to preserve society's archival information.