The open-air museum Skansen is reducing staff because of its financial situation, with costs rising and visitor numbers declining. 4 million visitors per year, but last year saw 70,000 fewer visitors than the year before. According to CEO Maria Groop Russel in a press release, neither government grants nor revenues are increasing enough to maintain and develop the operations, but Skansen cannot be allowed to deteriorate as it is an important cultural-historical site.
Now, 53 positions will be eliminated, while 29 new ones will be added. Skansen is funded by state grants and mostly by entrance and other revenues, with all profits going back into the operations. However, Skansen has had significant maintenance and development needs for several years.
neither government grants nor revenues are increasing enough to maintain and develop the operations, but Skansen cannot be allowed to deteriorate as it is an important cultural-historical site
In the budget proposal for 2026, the grant to Skansen is suggested to increase by two million kronor per year over three years, but Skansen says 25 million per year is needed.