War and Art during the Thirty Years' War Welcome to the Royal Armoury to learn about the Thirty Years' War through war artifacts and magnificent art. The exhibition is part of Bellum et Artes, a European collaboration project. The Thirty Years' War, from 1618 to 1648, was Europe’s first major war. No war before the 20th century's world wars was as catastrophic. In its wake followed death, famine, and immense suffering.

The war has often been described as a religious war, a struggle between Catholicism and Protestantism, but it was also a fight for power in Europe with shifting loyalties. Almost all European states were involved. A major player was Sweden, which became a military superpower.

At the same time, art flourished. Precious objects moved across Europe over thirty years, finding new places and contexts. In the Royal Armoury's exhibition "The Battle for Europe: War and Art during the Thirty Years' War," this brutal and long event in European history is recounted.

We showcase artifacts—war mementos, armor, and weapons from the Thirty Years' War, as well as art objects and war spoils that became tools of power, gifts, and status symbols for princes and royalty. Today, they are still preserved, primarily in the Royal Armoury’s collections, but also at Skokloster Castle and the Swedish History Museum.

The exhibition is aimed at all history enthusiasts and provides an in-depth and educational view of the Thirty Years' War, focusing on the movement of war and art across Europe. There are also connections to the school curriculum, and the exhibition is part of the Royal Armoury's school program for grades 4-6.