Boden defence museum turns 20: A museum with room for everyone

In the early 2000s, there was a sense of disappointment and concern in Boden. Large parts of the military presence were facing closure. This inspired the idea of a museum that would tell the story of northern Sweden’s military history during the 20th century and the importance of Boden Fortress – the five mountain forts surrounding the town. Boden Defence Museum was officially opened on 6 June 2006.

A place for dialogue about democracy

What began as Boden’s own museum has grown into a major visitor attraction, welcoming around 20,000 visitors each year. Families, school groups, tourists, international visitors connected to the Swedish Armed Forces and new residents from around the world come here to learn more about Boden’s role in Sweden’s defence.

Helena Svanberg has been involved since the beginning, first as a museum educator and, for the past three years, as curator.

“At first, our focus was mainly on telling the military history,” she says. “Preserving that story and caring for the collections remains our mission. But over the years, the museum has also become an increasingly important place for dialogue about democracy and human rights.”

The museum works closely with local associations and organisations. This year, there is a special focus on promoting equality and creating space for people whose voices are not always heard in public life.

“Our goal is to have low thresholds and open minds. We have the privilege of sharing a fascinating part of history, and that creates opportunities for discussion and the exchange of ideas. Looking ahead, we want to continue developing our content and reaching new audiences,” says Helena.

Anniversary celebrations in June

Sweden’s National Day has always been a special occasion at the museum. The day is celebrated with free admission, a rumbling vehicle parade and other festivities. This year, the June celebration will also mark the start of the museum’s 20th anniversary year.

“We’ll be serving a 20-metre-long birthday cake, and the first 20 visitors will receive a special gift bag. On the same day, we’ll open a retrospective anniversary exhibition about how the museum came to be,” Helena explains.

During the summer, the popular photography exhibition Hide and Seek returns. Designed for children, it encourages exploration and play. The photographs are based on stories from the short film Ormtyglar and the TV series Astrid and Adrian Move House.

In the autumn, the museum will continue developing new collaborations with local organisations and community groups.

And what about those teenagers in the tank?

“I’ve counted as many as twelve boys inside the vehicle at one time. The very best thing about our museum is the encounters between people. And if someone leaves here with a new insight or an ‘aha’ moment, then we’re especially pleased,” says Helena.

This news article was also published in Boden Bild issue 2–2025. Curious about more news from Boden Bild? Explore the full collection. External link.