Research, conservation and inspiration
The Swedish Museum of Natural History is a government agency, a world-class research institution, and at the same time, Sweden's largest museum with exhibitions and Cosmonova.
Examples of what we do:
- We discover new species and fossils of their predecessors in evolution.
- We care for and make accessible 11 million objects in our collections.
- We try to detect environmental toxins before they affect you.
- We make daily pollen forecasts for allergy sufferers.
- Every year, our on-duty researchers answer thousands of questions
Our Vision is a Thriving Planet
The vision of the Swedish Museum of Natural History reads 'Our vision is a thriving planet'. Our institution´s commitment and continuing research concerning the Earth´s development and biological diversity yields vital information relating to the great issues now confronting our society.
Strategic Plan
Our strategic plan outlines the direction we have to achieve the set goals for the years 2023–2030.
Our strategic choices for a thriving planet
Pdf, 1.4 MB.
Our Tasks
Regulated By the Government Under the Ministry of Culture
The Swedish Museum of Natural History is an authority under the Ministry of Culture. The operation of the Museum is regulated largely by two documents, partly by the "Regulation (1988:1249) with guidelines for the Swedish Museum of Natural History" and partly by an annual letter of regulation.
The guidelines among other things direct that: "The Swedish Museum of Natural History has as its mission to promote the interest for and knowledge and research about the make-up and development of the universe and the earth, the plant and animal life of the earth together with human biology and the natural environment."
The guidelines state furthermore that: "The Museum shall in particular look after, register, scientifically process and by means of new acquisitions enrich the collections which have been entrusted to the Museum, keep a selection of the collections available for the general public and other pedagogical activity, carry out and support research within the subject areas which are covered by the operations of the Museum.
Nationally Responsible for the Field of Natural History
The Museum is nationally responsible for the field of natural history. Within this field the Museum shall: " Work for an appropriate co-ordination of the museum service, especially between museums at a central and regional level, work for a development of the contacts between the museum service and its external environment and in that way represent the museum service."