The Nobel Prize Museum (in Stockholm)
It was so meaningful to visit the Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm.
Stepping inside, transitioning from bright sunshine to dimmed lighting, it takes a moment or two to adjust to this soothing environment. Interactive kiosks and displays were located throughout the museum, sharing inspiring stories. High above, images of Nobel Laureates whirred by.
Alfred Nobel’s medicine bag, samples of his letters, details of his travels, and stories of his family (and their losses) were also displayed. As a nearly perpetual traveler and writer, he endured ongoing health challenges. We joined a free English language tour to learn even more.
Our tour guide was doing an amazing job of sharing riveting history in a very small room—filled to capacity—with nearly everyone sitting in chairs. Then, all of a sudden, a teen and her father entered. I thought they entered our packed room to quietly listen to the tour.
But the teen walked boldly through the seated tour, loudly and disdainfully telling me to get out of her way (I was standing in the back). My eyes almost popped out of my head. I reminded myself to simply breathe and move aside (but I think I should have remained where I was).
Then the teen and her father stood in front of our entire tour, next to the guide, and talked over her. Our sweet guide passionately educated them about quietly respecting the tour. This is when the father admonished our entire tour group. My eyes popped again. I kept breathing.
These things happen. Another’s behavior can feel so overwhelming that their presence nearly ruins a lovely event. And trying to educate those who feel entitled to do as they please can result in escalating behavior. Fortunately, we kept breathing, so calm could prevail within.
There were photos of the Nobel award ceremonies and banquets.
Nestled in a little corner of the museum, Bistro Nobel allows visitors to sit and chat for hours. Or sip a beverage. With only a few gluten-free treats for sale, and nothing vegan, it’s wise to eat before arriving.
It is a beautiful space.
Underneath bistro chairs, Nobel Laureates have left their signatures.
And the museum’s gift shop contained the most intellectually stimulating items I have ever seen in a gift shop.
As excited as we were to visit the Nobel Prize Museum, in the end, this experience has ultimately been humbling. I’m reminded how all people in this world deserve the opportunity to thrive. I’m reminded that ceremonies and awards are not necessary to count. Everyone in this world, and their contributions, already count.
Travel Tips
the Nobel Museum in Stockholm is a smaller museum, so it can become crowded by midday—a great motivation to arrive earlier, maybe in the morning
the museum bathrooms (toalett) were private and clean (there’s also a large private family/handicapped bathroom)
the desire to return to the museum is immense—especially to visit the intellectually minded gift shop.
the Nobel Museum in Stockholm is supposed to move to a new (larger) location, right next to the National Museum