Astrid Lindgren, one of Sweden’s most beloved authors, was born on the 14th of November 1907 on the farm Näs in Vimmerby. Astrid Lindgren’s Näs is the place, source and inspiration that laid the foundation for her stories. When she wrote the stories about all the children of Noisy Village, it was her own childhood here at Astrid Lindgren´s Näs that inspired her. The nature, the games, the people and life here on the farm became an important part of her stories. This is where she climbed the lemonade tree and played “don’t touch the floor” with her siblings. This is where she jumped in the hay and listened to stories in Kristin’s kitchen.

This is where it all started.

In the early 1900s, a little girl hears the first story of her life. It sets her childhood mind into flux that never quite ceases. The girl’s name is Astrid, and she’ll grow up to become Sweden’s greatest children’s author. In the exhibition ‘Astrid Lindgren and the power of stories’ you can get to know the little girl who grew up on Näs farm and follow her throughout her life.

On May 23, 1963, Astrid Lindgren wrote the “first small words” of Emil in Lönneberga. In November of the same year, the first Emil book was published, illustrated by Björn Berg. Astrid Lindgren and Björn Berg then began a collaboration that was brilliant from both sides and is still very much alive today.

In the exhibition “Björn Berg’s Fairy Tale World – Emil and Many Others!”, you will have the opportunity to meet the illustrator Björn Berg (1923-2008) here at the Vicarage. This anniversary year, when Björn Berg would have turned 100, we celebrate him by showcasing his extensive and versatile artistic career. The exhibition was created by Björn Berg’s children, Maja and Torbjörn Berg, and will be on display from June 17th to September 24th.

The gardens at Astrid Lindgren’s Näs are open gardens – a place of culture, conversation, fun, debate, play, seriousness and humour. The green settings have grown out of themes that were important to Astrid Lindgren throughout her authorship, themes such as, for example, freedom, courage, melancholy and joy of life. In the gardens you can also take part in the storytelling loop “A spirit set rocking” which gives a picture of how the place links to her life, stories, thoughts and values.

Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002) is one of Sweden’s most beloved and best-known authors. Her work gives pleasure and comfort to children and adults around the world. Her authorship defies all boundaries – age, geographic, political and ethnic!