MUNKTELL MUSEUM

CASE STUDY

A display with green postal boxes and a red brick wall. Text reads: 'Visitor Numbers Up 180%'.

‘‘Thanks to Theresia’s creativity and her ability to build strong dialogue,we also commissioned Bang Universe to create Volvo CE’s new creative meeting space in Eskilstuna

Jannicke Serneberg

Head of Munktell Museum & Munktells

munktell museum

Client: Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE)

Location: Eskilstuna, Sweden

An industrial museum located in the original 19th-century factory, where the machines on display were once produced

The Assignment

Modernize the entrance, café and shop, clarify visitor flow, and elevate the museum experience — while preserving the building’s industrial authenticity.

The space also needed to function as a representative meeting and event venue for Volvo CE, including a new innovation area.

View of a toy store with shelves displaying toy cars, remote control cars, and clothing, along with vintage tractors in the background.

The Challenge

A complex industrial environment with high ceilings, heritage architecture and heavy machines regularly moving through the space.

The entrance lacked clarity, reception was hidden and visitor flow was confusing. Reception, café and shop needed to be able to be managed by only one staff member. At the same time, while integrating a hyper-modern innovation space into the historic setting.

“Great dialogue throughout the entire project. Timing, planning and delivery worked flawlessly.”

Jannicke Serneberg

Head of Munktell Museum & Munktells

Strategy & Design

The concept creates a dialogue between past and future.

Original industrial details were preserved and highlighted, while new architectural elements introduced clarity and structure. Visitor flow was redesigned to naturally connect reception, café and retail.

Materials and colours were drawn from the building and the machines: industrial green, corten steel and brick — reflecting Eskilstuna’s steel and engineering heritage.

Top-down view of an indoor space divided into two main areas. The left side features a garden area, three picnic tables, and a gym with workout equipment. The right side displays a recreational area with a bocce ball court, a ping pong table, a foosball table, a seating area with a large table and chairs, and a playground with climbing structures and a sandbox. There are also potted plants and lighting fixtures.
Architectural blueprint of a sign and counters for Munkellmuseet Eskilstuna, with measurements in millimeters, showing a wooden sign with the museum's name, and a detailed interior layout including cabinets and shelving.
An unfinished retail or storage space with a concrete floor, a black steel ceiling, and partial walls. There is a wooden shelving unit on the right side, a small white desk or counter in the center, and a large white shelving unit on the far right. Green plastic sheeting covers a section at the back, and construction materials and tools are scattered around.
Interior of a store or cafe with a green and brown reception desk, a green cabinet, and a sign that reads 'MUNKTELL MUSSET ESKILSTUNA' hanging from the ceiling.

The Result

The museum is now one of Eskilstuna’s most appreciated destinations.

Visitor numbers increased from 20,000 to over 56,000 annually, and the average visit grew from one hour to 2.5 hours. Nearly all visitors stay for the café, significantly increasing revenue.

The transformation strengthened the museum’s role within Volvo CE and the wider community, positioning it as a vibrant destination showcasing Sweden’s industrial heritage and future.

Client Reflections

“Theresia and Bang Universe were a big part of us daring to take this step.”

“An open and transparent collaboration — we truly did this together.”

“Theresia’s creativity and dialogue skills led us to also commission Bang Universe to create Volvo CE’s new creative meeting space in Eskilstuna.”

“Great dialogue throughout the entire project. Timing, planning and delivery worked flawlessly.

A textured wall with three hanging lights, a wrench hanging on a green wall, green cabinets, and a quote overlayed that reads, 'Theresia and Bang Universe were a big part of giving us the courage to take the leap.' by Jannicke Serneberg, head of Munkell Museum & Munkells.
Green kitchen cabinet with white text overlay indicating visitor time increased from 1 hour to 2.5 hours, a 150% increase.