Marvel at architecture that spans three centuries in the Malmo Town Hall, one of the dominant features of Stortorget, Malmo’s main public square. Enjoy the free music concerts and dine in the great halls of this building, which were once filled with Swedish nobility.
The Gothic-style Town Hall was built in 1546 and renovated in the 1800s. While the building is closed to the public, the rooms are sometimes accessible via the Radhuskallaren, the ground floor restaurant. Enjoy a traditional smorgasbord buffet with meat and potatoes and ask if any rooms are open to visit. Three rooms are accessible to the public. The banquet hall, known as the Knutssalen, was used by the St. Canute’s guilt in the Middle Ages. The Renaissance-style room, known as the Landstingssalen, is adorned with portraits of Danish royalty. On the walls of the Bernadottesalen, a red and silver banquet hall, there are paintings of the kings from the House of Bernadotte. The restaurant opening hours can be found on the official website.
Outside, architecture and history enthusiasts can take photographs of the building’s facade. Swedish architect Helgo Zettervall redesigned the façade in 1860 in the Dutch Renaissance style. Look for the busts of famous Malmo residents: former mayor Jorgen Kock, tobacco trader Frans Suell, Malmo Sparbank founder Mathias Flensburg, and Lorentz Bager, who helped to build the city’s first steamship. Overlooking the busts are sculptures that depict agriculture, handicrafts, commerce and the shipping industry.
Come to the Radhuset throughout the year to listen to free live music. These include concerts by the Malmo Academic Orchestra, which take place in the Knutssalen. Find a detailed schedule of events on the official Malmo Town Hall website.
Malmo Town Hall is located on the east side of Stortorget and is within walking distance of the city’s major attractions. Parking is available for a fee on the square but walking is a cheaper and more convenient option. The Town Hall is free to enter but you pay to dine in the restaurant.