Chairs with History – A Unique Furniture Exchange in Uppsala

In November 2025, Akademihotellet in Uppsala will open 13 new suites in the historic Clasonska Gården, a building dating back to 1698. In an inspiring act of circular design, the hotel is furnishing the rooms with antique pieces from the Museum of Medical History — while the museum, in return, receives the hotel’s modern conference chairs.

The collaboration was sparked by property manager Anna Hedman, who saw an opportunity for both institutions, managed by Uppsala Akademiförvaltning, to benefit from each other’s needs.

The suites in Clasonska Gården are designed to reflect the building’s long history, with interiors inspired by 18th-century exoticism, 19th-century steampunk, and early 20th-century Arts & Crafts. By reusing period furniture, the spaces gain authenticity and depth that new items simply can’t replicate.

For the hotel, the exchange also strengthens its Green Key sustainability certification by promoting reuse and reducing waste — and for the museum, it brings comfort and practicality to its conference hall.

A true win-win: history preserved, design renewed, and sustainability in action.