Stockholm is filled with spaces that inspire learning, creativity, and community, showcasing its commitment to education and public service. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the city’s most remarkable educational and public spaces.
This is the fifth of eight articles about Stockholm’s architecture. Go to this page for a list of all articles in this series.
Nationalmuseum
The Nationalmuseum in Stockholm, Sweden, is the country’s premier museum of art and design, situated on the Blasieholmen peninsula. The building, designed by German architect Friedrich August Stüler, opened in 1866.
Inspired by Italian piazzas, the museum’s surroundings include 19th-century sculptures and offer a tranquil spot for visitors to relax. The building is designed in a Neo-Renaissance style, characterized by its symmetry, classical proportions, and ornate detailing.
Outside the museum entrance stands a prominent art installation: a 12-meter-tall steel sculpture featuring silhouettes of two people breaking through a cage-like structure. This striking piece symbolizes a world without borders and was part of Ai Weiwei’s “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors” series.
Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen 2 (Google maps)
School of Architecture (Arkitekturhögskolan)
The School of Architecture at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Stockholm, designed by Tham & Videgård, is a striking example of contemporary architecture. Completed in 2015, the six-story building features a distinctive round structure clad in pre-rusted CorTen steel, harmonizing with the historic brick architecture of the surrounding campus.
The design emphasizes openness and connection to its environment, incorporating a sunken garden and a roof terrace that invite natural light and foster integration with the landscape.
Address: Osquars backe 5 (Google maps)
Stockholm Public Library
Stockholm Public Library, designed by the renowned architect Gunnar Asplund, officially opened in 1928 and is a masterpiece of Nordic Classicism. It is best known for its iconic cylindrical rotunda, which serves as the library’s central hall, and its harmonious geometric design.
The library’s most distinctive feature is its central cylindrical rotunda, dramatically set within a square base. This bold architectural composition creates a powerful sense of grandeur and spatial openness, allowing natural light to illuminate the central space. The rotunda’s form is more than mere design—it’s a visual metaphor representing knowledge and the universal nature of learning, symbolically positioning the library as a beacon of intellectual pursuit.
Stockholm Public Library was also a pioneer in library services, being among the first in the world to introduce open shelves, allowing visitors to browse and access books directly without needing assistance from librarians.
The library is open to the public, welcoming visitors to explore its impressive architecture and extensive collection.
Address: Odengatan 53 (Google maps)
The Nordic Museum
The Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet) is Sweden’s largest museum dedicated to cultural history, located on the picturesque island of Djurgården in Stockholm. Founded by Artur Hazelius in 1873, the museum officially opened in its current building in 1907.
Designed by architect Isak Gustaf Clason, the building is a stunning example of Renaissance Revival architecture, inspired by Danish Renaissance landmarks such as Frederiksborg Palace. Its centerpiece is a grand, cathedral-like hall, measuring 126 meters (414 feet) in length and 24 meters (79 feet) in height, which creates a dramatic and awe-inspiring interior.
Construction of the museum began in 1888 and spanned over 19 years. Conceived as a national monument, the building was designed to showcase and preserve Sweden’s rich cultural heritage, making it a lasting symbol of the nation’s history and traditions.
Address: Djurgårdsvägen 6-16 (Google maps)
Sjöhistoriska museet
The Maritime Museum (Sjöhistoriska Museet) is a state museum dedicated to Sweden’s rich maritime history, with a focus on the navy and merchant fleet. Located in Museiparken on Djurgårdsbrunnsvägen in the eastern part of the Östermalm district, the museum was established in 1938 and designed by renowned architect Ragnar Östberg.
The building is an architectural gem, featuring a white plastered façade with a distinctive curved form and a central tower crowned by a dome. Its design reflects a balance of elegance and functionality, perfectly complementing its picturesque surroundings.
Situated near Djurgårdsbrunnsviken, the museum offers scenic views and outdoor spaces ideal for picnics. From its grounds, you also have a stunning view of the Nordic Museum across the water.
Address: Djurgårdsbrunnsvägen 24 (Google maps)
Vasamuseet
The Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet) in Stockholm, Sweden, is a world-renowned maritime museum located on the island of Djurgården. It is famous for housing the Vasa, the world’s only fully preserved 17th-century ship, which tragically sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.
Designed by architects Marianne Dahlbäck and Göran Månsson, the museum was constructed between 1987 and 1990. Its unique architectural concept resembles a large copper tent with stylized masts that represent the Vasa’s original height, blending seamlessly with the park-like surroundings of Djurgården.
The museum’s façade is adorned with wooden panels painted in traditional Swedish colors, including dark red, blue, tar black, ochre yellow, and dark green. These hues pay homage to the historical aesthetics of Swedish shipyards, creating a connection between the building and the maritime heritage it celebrates.
Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14 (Google maps)