About Vrak

Vrak tells the story of the world's unique cultural heritage found on the bottom of the Baltic Sea. Using digital technology, the museum brings the stories to the surface but leaves the wrecks on the bottom where they are best preserved. The museum is based on knowledge from marine archaeological surveys and collaborates with researchers.

Vrak has been named Museum of the Year 2026 by the Swedish Museums Association and Swedish ICOM. The prestigious award is awarded to a museum that, with courage, creativity and quality, shows the way for the future of museum work.

Jury's motivation

Vrak – Museum of Wrecks transforms the hidden history of the Baltic Sea into a living and accessible cultural heritage. Here, visitors encounter a unique combination of research, immersive technology and storytelling that enables the exploration of a maritime world that few will ever see. The museum shows how groundbreaking, ethical and sustainable conservation can be shaped in a new way to take responsibility for our common heritage. At the same time, the museum develops inclusive working methods that give room to more voices and inspire actors beyond its operations. With innovation, sustainability and participation, the museum shows the way for the future of cultural heritage work.

Journalists are documenting salvage of a find from the Baltic Sea.

Museum and hub

With wrecks and other discoveries as our point of departure, we tell the stories of people who have depended on the sea for their livelihoods, used it as a sea route, a battlefield – and a graveyard. The unknown world of the Baltic Sea is brought to life in exhibitions and on the museum’s website.

A group of people are listening to a female guide who is showing them pieces of wood mounted on a wall.

A part of SMMTF

Vrak – Museum of Wrecks is part of the Swedish National Maritime, Transport and Military Museums (SMMTF).