Kiruna Former City Hall, Administrative building in Kiruna, Sweden
Kiruna Former City Hall is an administrative building in Kiruna, northern Sweden. The structure features a circular design with stacked golden cubes surrounding a central office ring, and the original clock tower stands separately beside it.
Architect Artur von Schmalensee designed this building in 1963, and it won the prestigious Kasper Salin Prize in 1964 for outstanding architectural merit. It was built as the administrative core of a mining town during a golden period for modern Scandinavian design.
The name reflects its role as the community's administrative heart, and original design elements like wooden door handles and the repositioned clock tower show respect for local memory. These preserved details create a visible link between the new structure and what residents remember from before.
The building sits about three kilometers from its original location because the city was relocated due to mining-related ground shifts. You can explore most areas of the building through the restaurant and public gallery without disturbing the administrative offices.
A public gallery inside displays contemporary Arctic art, turning this administrative building into a cultural meeting point rather than just a government office. The art collection draws visitors who might otherwise never step inside.
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