Current archaeology
On display March 4, 2025 – January 2026
In the museum’s entrance, we showcase exciting artifacts from current archaeological excavations. The objects in the showcase are rotated from time to time, so stop by and see what you find! You can currently see artifacts from Gullberg Fortress in Gothenburg.
The archaeological investigations in central Gothenburg are being carried out in connection with the construction of a railway connection. Between 2014 and 2023, parts of Gullberg Fortress, including Skansen Lejonet, were examined. Fortifications have existed on this site during different periods, and the results of the excavations surprised archaeologists. Among the discoveries were remains of houses, walls, and earthworks from the 17th century, as well as a basement from a tower and one of the fortress gates.
The finds come from archaeological excavations in central Gothenburg. Photo: The Archaeologists/National Historical Museums
Several Unique Artifacts
The first building at Gullberg Fortress was constructed as early as the 14th century. Some of the artifacts found by archaeologists bear witness to turbulent times, such as crossbow bolts dating back to the 15th century and cannonballs from the 17th century. Among the more unique finds are a sundial, beer taps, a drinking cup, and a sand shaker.
See these fascinating artifacts in the display case near the entrance.
A Digital Reconstruction of the Fortress
Gullberg Fortress is also coming back to life after 400 years underground. In the exhibition, you can explore a digital 3D reconstruction of how the fortress may have looked just before it was destroyed in 1612.
In the exhibition, you can see Gullberg Fortress in a digital 3D world, depicting how it may have looked just before its destruction in 1612. Photo: Mikael Lindahl, Niklas Ekholm och Teobaldo Ramirez, The Archaeologists/National Historical Museums
The exhibition is a collaboration between the Historical Museum and The Archaeologists and will be on display at the museum until January 2026.
Download the exhibition booklet
Download the exhibition booklet and explore the full story of the excavation in central Gothenburg. Here, you will find information about the artifacts, the excavation site, and the work of the archaeologists.
