Vrak – Museum of Wrecks has won the Museum of the Year 2026 award, according to multiple reports. The museum was recognized for its innovative and community-anchored activities, with special emphasis on its marine archaeological work in Blekinge waters. The prize is awarded annually by Sveriges Museer and the Swedish International Council of Museums (ICOM).
Divers and marine archaeologists from Vrak have spent considerable time searching for and identifying old shipwrecks off Blekinge's coast, according to reports. Blekinge has been central to the museum's project on the history of the Swedish navy. According to SVT Blekingenytt, marine archaeologist Jim Hansson described the region as holding fantastic stories, mentioning ships such as 'Chapman's ship of the line Wasa' and 'Hercules' from 1650, which participated in several battles. He also noted that the team has found many exciting ships there and is working to develop the concept of marine archaeology below the surface.
In Blekinge there are fantastic stories. Everything from 'Chapman's ship of the line Wasa' to 'Hercules' from 1650 which has been in several different battles.
The Marine Museum in Karlskrona is a sister museum to Vrak in Stockholm, according to reports. This connection underscores the shared focus on Sweden's maritime heritage.
Jury chairperson Maria Sidén said in a press release that the nominated museums show an impressive breadth and strength in the Swedish museum sector. The award will be presented during Sveriges Museer's annual meeting in Uppsala on April 21.
We have found many exciting ships there and we are trying to develop the concept of marine archaeology below the surface.
It is not known which other museums were nominated for the award, nor the specific criteria used to select the winner. The exact number of shipwrecks identified by the team in Blekinge has not been disclosed, and the significance of the ships 'Wasa' and 'Hercules' mentioned by Hansson remains unclear.