Stockholm City Hall
Ideal: Ideal for architecture, city views, and Nobel culture.
Completed in 1923 to Ragnar Östberg's design, eight million bricks were used in its construction. The Nobel banquet is held every 10 December in the Blue Hall here, but the hall is not blue: the architect planned to plaster and paint the bricks, then liked the bare red brick and abandoned the idea, leaving the name in place. The Golden Hall upstairs has walls covered with 18 million gold-leaf mosaic tiles. You can climb the 106-metre tower.
Quick facts
- Built
- 23 June 1923
- Opened
- 1923
- Architect
- Ragnar Östberg
- Architectural style
- Art Nouveau architecture
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Is the Nobel ceremony held here?
The prizes are awarded at the Concert Hall, but the famous Nobel banquet takes place in this building's Blue Hall — a dinner for around 1,300 guests every 10 December.
Why is the Blue Hall not blue?
The architect, Ragnar Östberg, had planned to paint the brick blue but changed his mind when he saw the texture of the bare brick. The name stayed.
How many mosaic pieces are in the Golden Hall?
About 18 million, most containing gold leaf. The figures narrate Swedish history — and one appears to have its head cut off because of a design miscalculation.
Why go?
- To see the iconic building where Nobel banquets are held
- To experience Stockholm's waterfront architecture
- To catch city views from the tower
Travel tip
Interior visits are usually by guided tour; check times in advance.
