THE LATE 19TH CENTURY IDEAL

The neighbourhood and the area around Stureplan, which were built up in the 1890s, are a clear reflection of the late 19th century urban design ideal. Grand flats built atop the finest boutiques and shops located at street level. No building was complete without detailed trimming, and marble was the material of choice. Among this neighbourhood’s newest amenities, the tram, extravagant business buildings and luxurious spas. Despite its altered use over time, the neighbourhood’s unusually large size, depth and style have still kept their architectural features.

A POPULAR COMMERCIAL CENTRE

The Stureplan that we know and love today made its mark during the 19th century thanks to the National Library of Sweden in Humlegården and all of its adjacent streets in all their grandeur. Sturegatan was officially named after the statesmen Sten Sture the Elder and Sten Sture the Younger, and Birger Jarlsgatan after the city’s founder, Birger Jarl. Shortly thereafter, the successful retailer, Karl Magnus Lundberg, decided to relocate all of his business within reach of Sturegatan, and Stockholm’s very first department store opened its doors. Later the department store was moved to Kungsträdgården and renamed Nordiska Kompaniet, or NK for short. Thanks to its allure for businesses and people alike, Stureplan quickly transformed into the popular commercial centre that it is today.

THE FAMOUS MARBLE HALLS

In 1930, the Osterman marble halls were described as “Europe’s most elegant and perhaps largest automobile showroom”. Large portions of the interior were gilded in green Kolmård-marble and the floor was laid with dual-coloured marble tiles. Much of the elegant interior has been preserved and is still there today.