Norrköping is a former significant center of the textile industry, and today a city associated with modern technologies and science. Its advantages are the former factory grounds and interesting museums that have been developed and turned into cultural and scientific facilities.
Although the city has medieval roots, it did not become more important until the 17th century. It was then that the first textile and paper factories began to appear on the Motala River. With time, a significant industrial center developed here, but it fell into decline in the second half of the 20th century due to the pressure of foreign competition.
At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, the Norrköping authorities carried out a successful project to modernize the city and develop the former factory land. In addition to the branches of the University of Linkoping, modern technology centers and a cultural and exhibition center have also been established here. The whole thing is called Industrilandskapet and it is presented as the best example of the new development of post-industrial areas.
As part of the project, three museums were created, which are today Norrköping's biggest attraction. These are the Work Museum showing the history of employment in this part of Sweden, the City Museum with exhibitions on the development of the textile and crafts industry, and the Art Museum.