Vrak wins Museum of the Year 2026

This is so incredibly fun and almost hard to take in, says Odd Johansen, museum director of Vrak, and continues: when we opened the museum just under five years ago, we knew we had something going on that tickles the mind of the curious. The award is recognition that we have managed to convey what all the fantastic wrecks of the Baltic Sea constitute, in a new and quite uncomplicated way!

Behind the award are the Swedish Museums Association and the Swedish ICOM. The jury's motivation is:

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 ever get to 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 space 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.

Contact information

Maria Sidén, chair of the jury, +46 70-813 38 25, maria.siden@naas.se
Odd Johansen, museum director VRAK, +46 733 70 63 11, odd.johansen@statensmuseermtf.se
Mikael Dunker, communications officer VRAK, +46 778 46 14, mikael.dunker@statensmuseermtf.se