Myrstedt & Stern, Early 20th century department store building in Stockholm, Sweden
The Myrstedt & Stern building is an early 20th century department store in Stockholm featuring large glass sections between sandstone columns and finely detailed stone bands along its exterior facade. The structure displays a clear grid of horizontal divisions that organize its multiple stories into distinct visual sections.
The building was constructed between 1908 and 1910 and introduced the first reinforced concrete skeleton construction method in Stockholm, engineered by Henrik Kreuger. This innovative structural approach became a model for commercial buildings developed in the city afterwards.
The building displays Gothic-inspired architectural details with pointed arches and carved animal head sculptures on its exterior, reflecting influences from German commercial buildings of the era. These decorative elements were distinctive for Stockholm's central business district at the time.
The building sits at the intersection of Kungsgatan and Norrlandsgatan in central Stockholm, making it easily accessible by foot from major transit points. Ground floor retail entrances open directly onto the street, allowing visitors to see the interior layout without entering stores.
The top floor features a copper-clad attic adorned with Art Nouveau-style relief decorations, while the non-load bearing facade represents one of the earliest applications of curtain wall technology in Stockholm. This combination of ornamental details and structural innovation makes the building architecturally significant.
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