Malmö Museum, one of Sweden's most visited museums, is experiencing significant internal turmoil over workplace conditions, according to reports from Swedish media. An internal survey reportedly describes the work environment as the worst many employees have experienced, with staff citing top-down management, a culture of silence, and unclear roles.
The museum has been undergoing a major reorganization that began five years ago but remains incomplete, according to Sydsvenskan. Nearly all managers have been replaced during this period, and Malmö City has spent over 1 million kronor on external consultants since 2020, primarily from the consulting firm Nilsson & Månsson.
a period of necessary change and development
Museum director Biljana Topalova-Casadiego is reportedly leaving her position this fall for a job at the Defense History Museum in Oslo. She described her time at Malmö Museum as "a period of necessary change and development" in written responses to Sydsvenskan.
Union representative Pia Gunnarsson Wallin, chair of the local Saco council, told Sydsvenskan that "there is widespread fatigue among employees due to the drawn-out reorganization." Several work-related long-term sick leaves have been reported in recent years.
there is widespread fatigue among employees due to the drawn-out reorganization
Cultural director Annika Cedhagen of Malmö City acknowledged the difficulties, calling it "a long and painful process." She expressed hope that the appointment of a new museum director would bring "workplace peace" to the institution.
Employees have reportedly expressed fear about speaking out, with one telling Sydsvenskan that "people are incredibly afraid" and that a culture has been created where staff fear negative consequences for voicing concerns.
a long and painful process
workplace peace
people are incredibly afraid