In Stockholm, a Nobel Center will be established with a museum and events for the public

Stockholm – A new six-story Nobel Center will be built on the waterfront in Stockholm, Sweden, within five years, which will house a museum and host events related to this prestigious award. The city council gave the building the green light late Thursday evening, reported the AFP agency.

The structure, designed by British architect David Chipperfield, will be made of wood and recycled red bricks, resembling the Stockholm City Hall, where the Nobel Banquet is held every December. The new center, spanning 13,000 m², is expected to cost 2.5 billion Swedish kronor (over 5.6 billion CZK) and will be primarily funded by private donations. Construction is set to begin next year and be completed in 2031.

The construction has sparked dissatisfaction among politicians, architects, and the public, mainly due to its location in an overcrowded area called Slussen. Criticism is also directed at the appearance of the building, consisting of four connected brick blocks, which people ironically compare to the blocky video game Minecraft. Conversely, supporters argue that it will become a cultural center due to its proximity to the old town, the contemporary photography museum Fotografiska, and the city museum.

The Nobel Center will feature a museum and host cultural events, inviting Nobel laureates to participate, as well as seminars on topics related to the award. There will also be restaurants and shops or terraces with views.

"It will be the most prominent symbol of knowledge in the world,” said the chairwoman of the Nobel Foundation, Hanna Stjärne, during the presentation of detailed plans for the project in January.

In Stockholm, the Nobel Prizes for Physiology and Medicine, Physics, Chemistry, Literature, and Economics are announced every October, with the laureates receiving them at a ceremonial event in December. The Nobel Peace Prize is announced and awarded in Oslo, Norway.