Grenna museum och Grenna hembygdsförening

Franckska Gården is one of Gränna’s oldest homes, dating back to the mid-17th century.

Franckska Gården

Franckska Gården is one of Gränna’s oldest homes, dating back to the mid-17th century. It takes its name from its last owner, Miss Valborg Franck, who ran a school in the northern part of the building. She lived in the southern part with her loyal maid, Augusta Jakobsdotter.

Following Miss Franck’s death in 1929, Franckska Gården was purchased by Grenna Local Heritage Society. When the finds from the Andrée expedition were discovered, the house became the first Andrée Museum. Today, the buildings are owned by the Grenna Museum Foundation, and Miss Franck’s office can still be seen preserved exactly as it looked during her time here.

Grenna Museum

Grenna Museum brings together stories from both Gränna and the polar regions. It features exhibitions on local history and polar expeditions, with Salomon August Andrée’s polar expedition the central focus.

The Polar Centre also showcases other expeditions and examples of modern polar research. The museum’s activities have their roots in the Grenna Local Heritage Society, which was formed in 1912 under the name Föreningen Stadsberget. In 1977, the Grenna Museum Foundation was established in partnership with Jönköping Municipality. Today, the museum manages the legacy of polar explorer S. A. Andrée, among other things.

Memorial Stone

In the courtyard of Gränna Museum stands a memorial stone made of nepheline syenite, an unusual rock type and a rare material in Sweden. The stone comes from Norra Kärr, just north of Gränna, an area known for its unique geology.

The memorial stone bears two gold-coloured signatures. One belongs to King Gustaf VI Adolf, who visited Gränna in 1954. The other is from the current king, Carl XVI Gustaf, who was here in 1975. During his visit, the king was offered a hot-air balloon ride, but as the balloon was adorned with beer advertisements, it was deemed unsuitable by the royal court. The balloon ride went ahead anyway – but in a different balloon.

Grenna Kulturgård is home to the Gallery, which hosts temporary exhibitions. The content varies and can include photography, painting, sculpture or works associated with local history.