Kilens Vagnparadis

The story of Kilen's Wagon Paradise began at the end of 2022 when Jan Persson completed a transaction that, in many ways, should be seen as a cultural contribution: the purchase of Ek's Wagon Museum. The museum, founded in 1990 in Västerås, had been up for sale for several years. The collection consists of what remains from Sven Ek's grandfather's and father's own transport business, Ek’s Hyrverk, established in 1923. The entire museum—92 horse-drawn wagons, sleds, as well as associated items such as costumes, equipment, photographs, and documents—was included in the acquisition. In 2024, yet another unique and exclusive transaction took place: the purchase of Håkan Forss' wagon collection from Drottningholm. This collection includes approximately 40 wagons, such as parade coupés, barouches, and landaus, as well as simpler vehicles used for horse training and everyday work. The purchase also included a newly manufactured travel carriage/Britzchka based on the original used by King Charles XII. In addition to these two collections, Jan Persson has, over the years, acquired several wagons and sleds from various sources. This personal collection adds a charming and valuable dimension to the other two collections. Kilen's Wagon Paradise is thus one of Sweden’s foremost collections of wagons, sleds, harnesses, and other items tied to the carriage culture.