[1] Located in the Gärdet section of the inner-city district Östermalm, the museum offers a panoramic view of the bay Djurgårdsbrunnsviken.

[2] The museum houses about 900,000 photos, 50,000 objects and 45,000 drawings, all related to the sea, coast, ships and boats, past and present.

The gently curved building, inspired by the neoclassicist design of Olof Tempelman (1746–1816), acts as a background for the surrounding park where open-air concerts are held each year.

As the exhibition was an important Functionalism manifestation, the museum also mark the point of view of the architect in the debate the introduction of Functionalist style caused in Sweden.

[8] Among the other artists who have performed at events held at the museum are Oasis, Lisa Nilsson,[9] Kent,[10] Pearl Jam,[11] Sarah Dawn Finer,[12] Axwell,[13] and Per Gessle.