A group of workers install one of the three crowns on the tower. Unknown photographer, 1920.

We who built the City Hall

With human strength and advanced engineering, the City Hall was constructed 100 years ago. Now you can experience the building’s history in a new way — from the perspective of the masons, carpenters and stuccoists.

About the exhibition

When: January 21—November 5 2023
Where: Floor 3
Free admission

In 2023 the Stockholm City Hall will be 100 years old. We are celebrating with an exhibition about Ragnar Östberg’s renowned building.

The exhibition allows you to meet the people who worked together to create the City Hall. Using century-old workplace records, you can see how the project evolved.

Brick carriers moved bricks up to the building. Each stack, carried on the back, was secured with a rope, chain or strap. Photo: Bror Ericson, 1916.

Along with the images, you can also hear the voices of some of the workers themselves. Their personal recollections describe the nature of work and life a century ago.

A variety of professional groups worked together. These included brick carriers, bricklayers, labourers, architects, joiners, carpenters, painters, sculptors and stonemasons. The building’s thousands of drawings were made by architects and engineers using pencils, compasses and rulers. The building’s foundations were laid by divers, concrete workers, carpenters and labourers.

In total, all the bricks of the house weigh fifty-six thousand tons!