The exhibition King Kristina.
Visit the exhibition King Kristina at the Royal Armoury. Photo: Helena Bonnevier.

The exhibition was shown April 16–May 17, 2026

King Kristina – Born Free

Four hundred years ago, one of the most debated persons in Swedish history was born: Queen Christina. Crowned as king yet determined to chart her own course, she remains a figure of enduring fascination. In this exhibition, artists from the Konstskolan Linnea, school of art, interpret the remarkable narrative of her life.

Guided by one of her own maxims – her reflections on how to live – Christina considered herself “born free.” Her lifelong pursuit of freedom and knowledge led her far beyond the expectations placed upon a monarch. Accompanying her throughout this journey were her most treasured possessions: her books.

Painting by Elin Mellström.
Painting by Elin Mellström (the image is cropped). Photo: Elin Mellström.

For this exhibition, the artists have taken inspiration from Christina's private library as a reflective space – a mirror through which visitors encounter representations of the queen in various forms. Here, parallels are drawn with other historical leaders, insights are offered into her conversion, and her weapons and regalia are presented as symbols of her complex legacy.

During the year, the Royal Armoury celebrates the 400th anniversary of Queen Christina's birth with a various program and collaborations. One of the highlights is Konstskolan Linnea's exhibition King Kristina – Born Free.

Painting by Sigvard Hansson.
Painting by Sigvard Hansson (the image is cropped). Photo: Sigvard Hansson.

Konstskolan Linnea in Stockholm was founded in 1992 and combines a three-year adapted art education with daily activities. The participants have completed upper secondary school or equivalent and have a diagnosis within the autism spectrum or mild intellectual disability.

Read more about Konstskolan Linnea

You might also be interested in

Queen Christina – 400th anniversary

In 2026, it is 400 years since her birth, a jubilee celebrated by the Royal Armoury together with partners.

Read more