Stockholm is home to vibrant spaces dedicated to art, music, and culture, each offering a unique glimpse into the city’s creative spirit. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of Stockholm’s most inspiring cultural and artistic hubs.
This is the fourth of eight articles about Stockholm’s architecture. Go to this page for a list of all articles in this series.
Kulturhuset
Kulturhuset, officially known as Kulturhuset Stadsteatern, is a landmark cultural center situated at Sergels Torg, in the heart of Stockholm.
The building was inaugurated in 1974 and was the result of an architectural competition launched in 1965 to address the need for a dedicated cultural hub in the city. The competition was won by modernist architect Peter Celsing, whose visionary design emphasized transparency and integration with the surrounding urban environment.
Kulturhuset is renowned for its striking concrete and glass façade, which embodies Celsing’s commitment to openness and accessibility. The design replaces traditional ornamentation with an “open shelf” concept, showcasing the building’s interior functions and fostering a sense of connection between the cultural activities inside and the bustling city outside. This innovative approach has drawn comparisons to iconic structures like the Centre Pompidou in Paris.
Kulturhuset was conceived as a multifunctional space, serving as a hub for theaters, galleries, and public spaces. Its design and purpose have made it a central part of Stockholm’s cultural life and an influential example of modernist architecture.
Address: Sergels Torg Norrmalm (Google maps)
Dramaten
Dramaten, officially known as the Royal Dramatic Theatre (Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern), is Sweden’s national stage for spoken drama. Founded in 1788 by King Gustav III, it has been a cornerstone of Swedish cultural life for over two centuries.
Located at Nybroplan in central Stockholm, the theater is a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture. Designed by architect Fredrik Lilljekvist, it was completed in 1908 and is constructed using Ekeberg marble, giving it a timeless elegance.
The lavish exterior is adorned with artistic masterpieces, including a relief of Dionysus by Christian Ericsson, sculptural works by Carl Milles, and gilded statues of Poetry and Drama by John Börjesson, making the building a true work of art.
Address: Nybroplan (Google maps)
Stockholm Concert Hall
The Stockholm Concert Hall (Konserthuset), located at Hötorget in central Stockholm, is a world-renowned venue for music and cultural events. Designed by the esteemed Swedish architect Ivar Tengbom, it was completed in 1926 and stands as a quintessential example of Swedish Neoclassical architecture.
The building’s striking light blue façade, adorned with ten tall Corinthian columns, exudes a sense of monumentality while maintaining an understated elegance. This design captures the architectural transition from Neoclassicism to modernism, blending tradition with innovation.
Since its inauguration, the Stockholm Concert Hall has played a key role in global recognition of excellence, serving as the venue for the annual Nobel Prize ceremonies in medicine, physics, chemistry, and literature, held every December 10.
Address: Hötorget 8 (Google maps)
Fotografiska
Fotografiska, a prominent center for contemporary photography, is located in Stockholm’s Södermalm district. Established by brothers Jan and Per Broman, the museum opened its doors on May 21, 2010. It is housed in a former customs house built in 1906, designed in the Art Nouveau style by architect Ferdinand Boberg. The building’s red-brick exterior, characteristic of early 20th-century industrial architecture, has been thoughtfully repurposed while retaining its historical charm.
Hosting approximately 20 exhibitions annually, Fotografiska showcases work from both established and emerging photographers worldwide. On the top floor, a café and restaurant with panoramic views of Stockholm attract both locals and visitors, making it as much a social hub as a cultural destination.
Fotografiska is celebrated not only for its dedication to contemporary photography but also for its architectural beauty and cultural importance, solidifying its place as a standout landmark in Stockholm.
Address: Stadsgårdshamnen 22 (Google maps)
Filmhuset
Filmhuset, or the Film House, is an iconic building in Stockholm designed by renowned architect Peter Celsing. Constructed between 1968 and 1970 and inaugurated in 1971, it serves as the headquarters for the Swedish Film Institute and a dynamic hub for film and cultural activities.
A prime example of Brutalist architecture, Filmhuset is characterized by its raw concrete construction and striking design. The façade features vertical rows of circular indentations, evoking the perforations of film strips, while other design elements reflect cinematic themes. The window arrangements resemble the sprocket holes of film reels, and the round internal stairwells mimic the coils of unwound film, blending form with function in a uniquely cinematic way.
The building spans 155 meters (509 feet) in length, 39 meters (128 feet) in width, and 15 meters (49 feet) in height, with six floors covering a total area of 24,700 square meters (265,869 square feet). Filmhuset stands as both an architectural masterpiece and a tribute to the art of cinema, cementing its place as a cultural and artistic landmark in Stockholm.
Address: Borgvägen 1 (Google maps)
Avicii Arena
Avicii Arena, a giant ball-shaped structure, is one of Stockholm’s most recognizable landmarks. Located in the Johanneshov district, it serves as a premier venue for major sporting events, concerts, and cultural gatherings, cementing its role as a hub for entertainment and community activities.
Originally known as the Stockholm Globe Arena, it was renamed the Ericsson Globe in 2009 and became Avicii Arena in 2021 to honor the late Swedish DJ and producer Avicii. This name change not only commemorates his legacy but also underscores the arena’s commitment to raising awareness about mental health.
Designed by Berg Arkitektkontor (now part of C.F. Møller Architects), the arena was completed in just under three years and inaugurated on February 19, 1989. With a 110-meter (360-foot) diameter, it was an engineering marvel and held the title of the world’s largest spherical building until 2023, when it was surpassed by The Sphere in Las Vegas.
The arena plays a unique role as the Sun in the Sweden Solar System, a national scale model spanning the entire country. Its placement and size emphasize its significance in this educational project. (Learn more about the Sweden Solar System here: https://www.swedensolarsystem.se).
A standout feature of Avicii Arena is its glass gondolas, installed in 2009, which ascend along the building’s exterior to 130 meters (427 feet) above sea level. Offering panoramic 360-degree views of Stockholm, these gondolas have become a popular attraction for both locals and tourists, adding an exhilarating dimension to this iconic venue.
Address: 121 77 Johanneshov (Google maps)
3Arena
3Arena is a multi-purpose stadium located in Johanneshov, just south of Stockholm’s city center. Originally known as Tele2 Arena, it was renamed in 2025 following a 10-year naming rights agreement with telecommunications company Three. Designed by White Arkitekter, the venue seamlessly blends the features of outdoor stadiums and indoor arenas, enabling it to host a diverse range of events, from major sporting competitions to world-class concerts.
Standing 35 meters (115 feet) tall and spanning 240 meters (787 feet) in length, 3Arena can accommodate 30,000 spectators for football matches and up to 40,000 for concerts. Its retractable roof allows for year-round use, ensuring events proceed smoothly regardless of weather conditions. Equipped with advanced 5G technology, it provides fans and performers with a state-of-the-art digital experience.
Since its opening, the arena has hosted prestigious sporting events like the World and European Handball Championships and welcomed legendary artists including Madonna, Adele, Elton John, and Justin Timberlake. With its innovative design and vibrant schedule, 3Arena has become a cornerstone of Stockholm’s cultural and entertainment scene.
Address: Arenaslingan 14 (Google maps)
Berwaldhallen
Nestled in the Östermalm district, Berwaldhallen is partially built into a rock face, creating a remarkable symbiosis between architecture and landscape. This ingenious integration does more than minimize the building’s visual footprint—it imbues the structure with a dramatic and distinctive character. The strategic use of the rocky terrain serves both practical and poetic purposes, providing superior acoustics and thermal insulation while eloquently expressing Sweden’s deep-rooted connection to its natural environment.
Designed by Swedish architect Erik Ahnborg and completed in 1979, Berwaldhallen stands as a quintessential example of Scandinavian modernist design. The building embodies the movement’s core principles: simplicity, functionality, and elegant restraint. Ahnborg’s vision prioritized acoustic excellence, resulting in an asymmetrical form meticulously crafted to optimize sound performance. Its innovative design allows for remarkable versatility, accommodating everything from full symphony orchestras to intimate chamber music ensembles.
The main concert hall, with a capacity of approximately 1,300 seats, features a groundbreaking ceiling design that ensures uniform sound distribution. This technical achievement reflects the building’s primary purpose: to create an exceptional auditory experience. Moreover, Berwaldhallen is more than just a concert venue—it is the proud home of the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Swedish Radio Choir. Its location adjacent to the Swedish Radio headquarters further reinforces its role as a cultural and broadcasting landmark, seamlessly integrating architectural form with institutional function.
Address: Dag Hammarskjölds väg 3 (Google maps)