Västerås stadshus, Municipal building in Västerås, Sweden.
Västerås stadshus is the city's administrative center and dominates the downtown area with granite walls and marble courtyards. A 65-meter tower with copper roofing rises above the entire structure and forms its prominent landmark.
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 tower holds Sweden's largest carillon system with 47 bells of varying sizes that ring together. The bells create a full, warm sound that carries across the city.
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