Kulturhuset (House of Culture), Stockholm

Kulturhuset is a cultural center, one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. For several years before 1983, it had provided temporary accommodation to the Swedish Parliament whose own building was under construction. Designed as a public space for all people in Stockholm, Kulturhuset Stadsteatern is the brainchild of architect Peter Celsing who strove to create a space fit to accommodate all forms of art. The renowned architect won the competition for a new cultural center in 1966. The glass front of the building facing Sergels torg enhances the idea of a shared common space, and, at night, creates a transparent view into the interior.

There are eight stages at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern used annually for over 2,000 shows of performing arts, and attended by audience of more than half a million people. Since 2013, Kulturhuset Stadsteatern has had its own dance company in residence.

Kulturhuset Stadsteatern hosts about six curated art, design and fashion exhibitions annually, and has six profile libraries catering to different audiences, of which three have a children’s and youth perspective. The building also houses a theater, restaurants, shops, several cafes, a variety of entertainment facilities, plus a Tourist Center run by external partners.

Any given day, the house offers new paths into diversity, be it film or debate, an exhibition, dance or musical performance, or just finding that special book you always wanted but never thought existed.