The Bourse, Gothenburg

The Bourse (Börsen) is a historic building in Gothenburg, situated on the north side of Gustaf Adolf Square. Designed in the Neoclassical style by architect Pehr Johan Ekman, it was inaugurated on December 1, 1849, initially serving as a marketplace rather than a stock exchange, despite its name's translation. The term "Börsen," influenced by the French "La bourse," more accurately reflects its role as a commercial exchange, akin to modern commodities exchanges.

Its significance in Gothenburg's civic life is evident as it has been the meeting place for the Gothenburg Municipal Council since January 5, 1863, continuing a tradition of governance that predates its construction. This tradition aligns with Gothenburg's commercial history, highlighted by the establishment of Sweden's first trade guild in 1661, which met in a town hall on the site now occupied by Gustaf Adolf Square.

The Bourse replaced the Kaulbarska House, owned by Baron Johan von Kaulbars, a general in King Charles XII's army, which stood on the land previously. The construction was funded by the city's merchants, with King Oscar I laying the cornerstone on June 1, 1844. Completed five years later, the building symbolized the economic vitality of Gothenburg's merchant community.

Aside from its historical and architectural significance, the Bourse has served as a crucial venue for municipal meetings, highlighting its importance in Gothenburg's civic life. Recent renovations, undertaken between 2014 and 2019, restored the building's integrity and facilitated the return of the municipal council to its historic meeting place, emphasizing the enduring significance of the Bourse in Gothenburg's social and political landscape.