Gothenburg and West Sweden share a totally unique industrial history that has been an important factor in the growth of the modern welfare society we live in today. Industrial history is quite simply a central element in the region’s identity and it is actually the region’s future attraction. We were consulted to carry out a preliminary study for a centre for the history of shipbuilding and industry, to be located in Gothenburg. This led to contacting both historians and representatives from the city, the region and not least from industry. The concept formulated in the preliminary study can be simplest described as “a showroom for the many”.