Västerås stadshus, Municipal building in Västerås, Sweden.
Västerås stadshus stands about forty metres east of the Svartån river in central Västerås. Its 65-metre tower, completed in 1958, makes it the city's fifth-tallest structure. The outer facade is Svandals granite, while the courtyard side is clad in white Ekeberg marble, also used for the stairs and many floors. The council wing facing Fiskartorget is the most richly decorated part.
Construction took place between 1953 and 1988 following designs by city architect Sven Ahlbom after years of planning. The lengthy building process reflected how the city evolved during the post-war decades.
The council chamber displays a textile work called Det fria ordet created by artist Kaisa Melanton. It shows how democratic decisions take shape, from initial ideas through to final votes.
The building houses administrative offices, meeting rooms, and public spaces where visitors can attend council sessions. Access to different parts of the building varies, so it helps to check ahead which areas are open to the public.
The carillon's largest bell measures 155 cm across and weighs 2,410 kg, roughly the mass of a caravan. The smallest is barely heavier than a spare tyre. The instrument spans four octaves and was inaugurated in August 1960 with organist Hugo Melin and professor Leen't Hart present.
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