Detour Pit Stop #119: World of Volvo, Gothenburg, Sweden
Photo Volvo
World of Volvo is Stylish, sustainable and celebrates the past, present and future of the swedish carmaker in the heart of its home town.
Newly-built right next to the 100-year-old Liseberg amusement park in Gothenburg is this giant 22,000-square metre tribute to the most famous name to come out of Sweden aside from ABBA.
Bringing together Volvo trucks, cars, military vehicles, marine engines and construction equipment under one truly remarkable architectural roof World of Volvo has been designed to be much more than just a museum. It boasts a 600-seater auditorium, two restaurants run by a Michelin-starred chef, conference facilities, its own electric bus stop and charging for 150 EVs in the car park.
The concrete, glass and wood structure is magnificent. Designed around three internal trees, supporting a roof covered in moss and sphagnum it’s extraordinarily bright and airy inside. Despite its immense size it’s welcoming in that warm Scandinavian way.
Entry to the building is free, but you’ll want to splash out once you’re inside. That might be on the traditional Swedish fika (coffee and cake), something more substantial from award-winning chef Stefan Karlsson, or a ticket to view the carefully curated exhibition.
As you meander through the exhibits you’ll be taken on a journey that begins with you, explaining how Volvo seeks to understand humans to make our lives better. And safer of course. A series of interactive experiences demonstrate the perils of distracted driving, the life-saving innovations Volvo has made and also looks to a future where there are zero casualties in the company’s vehicles.
Of course there are displays of historic cars and trucks, even boats. You’ll find everything from the earliest Volvo ever made, to the highest mileage model – a 1966 P1800 coupe driven by American Irv Gordon for more than three million miles. Also on show are numerous concept cars and icons such as the Amazon and 240 which forged the brand.