Kulturhuset: A modernist symbol in central 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, films, and debates. It served as the temporary seat of the Riksdag, the Swedish Parliament, until 1983, while the Riksdag building was being remodelled for a unicameral legislature. Since 1990, Stockholm City Theatre has been placed in the center, and in 2013, Kulturhuset and the theatre merged to form Kulturhuset Stadsteatern.

TioTretton is another part of Kulturhuset, a sanctuary created by the Swedish architect and scenographer Ricardo Ortiz in collaboration with former library manager Katti Hoflin. TioTretton serves as a haven where children can explore on their own terms, while adults must stay at an adult border. Anna Takanen was the director from 2015 to 2019.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons