The Stadshuset in Stockholm is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. It’s built at the site of the Eldkvarn gristmill and took twelve years to complete (1911 to 1923); construction was most likely slowed down by Europe’s involvement in World War I. Technically Sweden was neutral during WW1, but were actively involved in the Finnish Civil War. A brochure states that nearly eight million red bricks were used in the construction of the Stadshuset.
Remember Gustav I from this post? Well… when the construction of the building was completed, it was unveiled to the people of Stockholm on the 400-year anniversary of Gustav Vasa’s arrival in Stockholm.
This building has so much going for it:
- This is where the Nobel Peace Prize banquet is held every year (in the Blue Hall).
- The tower of the City Hall contains 365 steps that take you to some of the best views of Stockholm at the top.
- The largest organ in Sweden can be found in the Blue Hall (10,270 pipes).
- On the eastern side of the building, there is a gold-plated cenotaph of Birger Jarl, a prominent Stockholm politician and the man who led the Second Swedish Crusade.
But none of these things impressed me; my favourite thing about the city hall is the Children’s Meeting Place in the centre courtyard. A plaque under the tree reads: Many cities and Municipalities have followed the example to have a tree where children and decision-makers meet and exchange ideas for a better future.
Children are full of unbiased, unprejudiced, unfiltered, great, creative ideas. Adults should listen to them more often (and really listen… not pretend to).
