Ebba Hus (Ebba's House), Malmo

Tucked away in the heart of Malmö, Ebba’s House (Ebba Hus) is the city’s smallest museum and a cherished time capsule of a bygone era. Built in the 18th century, this modest street house stands as a testament to the everyday life of Malmö’s working-class families over two centuries ago. The house has remained relatively unchanged since then, preserving the essence of a typical household in Malmö from that period.

The story of Ebba’s House is intertwined with the Olsson family, who owned it for more than a century. It was purchased by Jöns Olsson, a city surveyor, in 1873 and later passed on to his son Olof in 1911. The family consisted of Olof, his wife Anna, and their two children, Ebba and Thure. After the passing of her parents in 1961, Ebba, a lacemaker by profession, continued living in the house on her own.

As Malmö modernized around her, with many old buildings being torn down during the 1960s, Ebba remained steadfast. Despite lacking modern amenities—relying on an outdoor toilet and cold water—she refused to sell her home and stayed until 1984. Eventually, Ebba and her sister-in-law decided to donate the property to the Malmö Museums, ensuring that its historical value would be preserved for future generations.

After Ebba died in 1989, the museum acquired her original furniture and restored the house to its early 20th-century state. Since opening to the public in 1991, Ebba’s House has offered visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time. The well-preserved interior, complete with the original wood stove, outdoor toilet, and period-specific furniture, provides an authentic look into daily life in Malmö during the early 1900s. Today, it stands as a humble yet powerful reminder of the resilience and traditions of the city's past.