Kiruna City Hall

Kiruna City Hall is the new municipal center featuring a circular structure with golden volumes rising from its roof. The building has glass-lined offices surrounding a central atrium where different departments and city services operate.

The building was completed in 2018 and represents the first phase of relocating the entire city of Kiruna due to ground instability from iron ore mining. The move became necessary because mining operations beneath the city have undermined the foundation.

The building displays Arctic artworks throughout its spaces and preserves elements from the previous 1958 town hall, including the clock tower and door handles. These connections between old and new are visible as visitors move through the interior.

The circular design directs wind movement around the structure to prevent snow buildup and maximize daylight during the long winter months. The building is oriented to adapt to the extreme conditions of the high north.

The building, also known as The Crystal, sits directly above an underground mine extending 1,365 meters (4,478 feet) beneath the city. This unusual location makes it a visual symbol of how the entire city is being reshaped because of mining.

Location: Kiruna Municipality

Inception: November 22, 2018

Architects: Henning Larsen Architects

Official opening: November 22, 2018

GPS coordinates: 67.84891,20.30253

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:25