← New search

Other meanings of Stockholm Stock Exchange Building

Architecture & Finance

Stockholm Stock Exchange Building

The Stockholm Stock Exchange Building (Swedish: Börshuset) is a historic structure in Gamla Stan, the old town of Stockholm, Sweden. Completed in 1778, it has served as the home of the Stockholm Stock Exchange and, since 1914, as the venue for the Nobel Prize award ceremonies and banquets. The building also houses the Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Prize in Literature.

1778
Year completed
Construction finished
Gamla Stan
Location
Old Town of Stockholm
1914
Nobel ceremonies began
First Nobel banquet held here
Swedish Academy
Current occupant
Awards Nobel Prize in Literature
1

Architecture and construction

The building was designed by architect Erik Palmstedt and erected between 1773 and 1778 on the site of an earlier town hall. Its neoclassical facade, with a central pediment and Corinthian pilasters, reflects the late Gustavian style. The interior features a grand staircase and ornate ceilings, including the large hall now used for Nobel events. The structure was originally built to house the stock exchange and municipal functions, and its design was intended to project civic authority and commercial prosperity.

2

Role in the stock exchange

The Stockholm Stock Exchange operated in this building from its opening until the 1990s, when trading moved to modern facilities. The exchange itself dates to 1863, but the building predates it, having been used for commodity trading and auctions. In the 19th century, the exchange became a central institution for Swedish finance, and the building's trading floor witnessed the rise of major Swedish industrial companies. Today, the exchange is part of Nasdaq Nordic, but the historic building remains a symbol of Sweden's financial heritage.

3

Nobel Prize ceremonies

Since 1914, the building has hosted the Nobel Prize award ceremony and banquet, with the exception of the Peace Prize, which is awarded in Oslo. The Nobel banquet, held in the building's grand hall, is attended by the Swedish royal family and international dignitaries. The Nobel Foundation, established in 1900, chose this venue for its central location and historic prestige. The building also houses the Nobel Museum, which opened in 2001, offering exhibits on the laureates and the history of the prize.

4

Lesser-known aspects

Beyond its famous roles, the building has served as the seat of the Swedish Academy since 1914, where the Nobel Prize in Literature is decided. The academy's library contains over 200,000 volumes, including rare manuscripts. The building also once housed the Stockholm City Library and a fire station. A notable detail: the building's clock tower, added in the 19th century, was used to signal the opening and closing of trading. In 1981, the building was listed as a protected historic monument, and it remains one of the best-preserved examples of 18th-century Swedish civic architecture.

Glossary

Gamla Stan
The old town of Stockholm, Sweden, known for its medieval streets and historic buildings.
Gustavian style
A Swedish neoclassical architectural style from the late 18th century, named after King Gustav III.
Nobel Foundation
The organization established in 1900 to manage the Nobel Prize assets and ceremonies.

The building is also known as the 'Börshuset' and is a popular tourist attraction in Stockholm.