The Rise of Kulturhuset in Stockholm

In 1965, Stockholm’s city government launched an architectural competition, won by modernist architect Peter Celsing (1920–1974). The winning design resulted in the construction of Kulturhuset, a cultural center on the south side of Sergels torg in central Stockholm, Sweden. From most angles, the building is dominated by its concrete and glass façade, with the adjacent theatre building featuring stainless steel. Originally, the museum of modern art Moderna Museet was intended to occupy large parts of the building but dropped out of the project in 1969.

The first stage of the center was opened in 1971, featuring the western part, including the theatre. Today, Kulturhuset hosts numerous cultural events, such as photo exhibitions, concerts, literary discussions, and even plays a temporary role as the Riksdag, the Swedish Parliament, until 1983. Since 1990, Stockholm City Theatre has been a part of Kulturhuset. In 2013, Kulturhuset and Stockholm City Theatre merged to form Kulturhuset Stadsteatern.

TioTretton is another part of Kulturhuset, a sanctuary created by the Swedish architect and scenographer Ricardo Ortiz and Katti Hoflin, the former library manager of the Kulturhuset. TioTretton serves as a haven where children can explore and create freely, while adults must stay at the adult border. Anna Takanen was the director from 2015 to 19.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons