This museum is actually an intact royal warship, the Vasa, which capsized in Stockholm harbor on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged in the 1950s, with other exhibits about life on the ship and the salvage and restoration processes. The ship was preserved for more than 300 years on the seabed, close to the site of the museum, by the brackish water of the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren. It was one of my favorite attractions in Stockholm.

To say photographing the Vasa was a challenge would be an understatement. I do hope these images will give a hint of the sheer size and magnificence of this warship. The two forward masts are original to the vessel; the one closest to the stern is not.