Stadsmuseet i Gråbrödraklostret (City Museum in the Grey Friars Monastery)
St. Petri Kykoplan
About
Part of the fun of visiting this museum is getting here. From the main square, Stortorget, take a stroll up Garvaregränd (where you'll be distracted by the high-quality arts and crafts for sale in the workshops). When you reach Klostergatan, you'll be near the entrance to the museum, which is the only one in Sweden inside a monastic house from the Middle Ages. Gråbröder, or "Greyfriars," dates from 1267, when it was occupied by monks. At the Reformation, these guys were booted out, marking a long decline for the building. It went from hospital to distillery to seedy poorhouse. And just when the townspeople thought the building had reached its lowest point, it hadn't: It soon became a dumping ground for garbage. It wasn't until 2001, when city fathers intervened, that the building was rescued. Once in charge of the building, the city had to do something with it. They rounded up most of their valuables and housed them here. Despite that effort, the building is more intriguing than the exhibits, which consist mainly of antiquities from the area -- the usual, boring history exhibits. Local textiles and silverware aren't likely to grab you. Perhaps the display of bridal costumes from the 1700s will attract your notice. Or you might agree with us that the 80 gravestones from the 1300s to the 1700s have a certain ghoulish fascination. Just save the best for last -- the gardens, which are open 24 hours. The monks originally created these gardens, and many of the same spices, vegetables, and medicinal herbs they grew bloom again today in honor of their long-ago commitment. They're most glorious in July.
