Origins and History of the Collection
The Rosersbergs Collection is situated in Sigtuna, Sweden. The site originated as a manor built in the 1630s by the Oxenstierna family. Following its establishment, the estate underwent several transitions in ownership and purpose. In 1762, the state acquired the property and designated it as a royal palace. This transition occurred when the state gave the palace to Duke Charles.
The history of the site is marked by its continuous use as a residence for Swedish royalty. The interiors remain largely preserved from the period between 1795 and 1825. King Karl XIV Johan and Queen Desideria were the last members of the royal family to reside within these walls. Their presence marks the final chapter of the palace's use as a primary royal home before it became a preserved historical site.
The Building and Its Architecture
Situated on the shores of Lake Mälaren, the palace was constructed between 1634 and 1638. The architectural character of the site has evolved through several distinct periods, incorporating German-Dutch Renaissance and Baroque elements. Later modifications introduced Gustavian and Karl XIII Empire styles, alongside Nyantik and empirical influences. This layering of styles defines the interior and exterior structure of the residence.
The interior contains several significant rooms, including the Orange drawing room and the Red drawing room. The Hogland Room is another notable space within the palace. These rooms reflect the transition from the Gustavian era to the early Empire style. The palace remains a preserved environment from the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
The surrounding grounds include a French Baroque garden designed by Tessin the Younger. This formal landscape is complemented by an English-style park laid out by Duke Charles around 1800. The estate's placement by the Mälaren inlet Skarven integrates the built environment with the local lakeside topography.
