Nobel Foundation has revealed the first design for the new Nobel Center, a public cultural and educational institution dedicated to science, literature, and peace. Designed by Berlin-based David Chipperfield Architects, the project will be built along Stadsgårdskajen in Slussen, Stockholm, with construction set to start in 2027 and completion scheduled for 2031. Envisioned as a permanent venue for Nobel Prize-related events, the center aims to bring the achievements of Nobel laureates to the public through exhibitions, public programs, and interdisciplinary exchanges, establishing itself as both a civic landmark and an internationally significant reference point.
Strategic Location and Urban Integration
Nestled between Södermalm and Gamla stan (Old Town), at the confluence of Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, the site of the Nobel Center has long been shaped by infrastructure, industrial activities, and traffic flows. As Slussen undergoes continuous transformation into a network of public spaces, a transportation hub, and a cultural destination, the project is regarded as a key element in this revitalization process. The center will help forge a new continuous public route connecting Fotografiska (Photography Museum), Stadsmuseet (City Museum), and the waterfront promenade, strengthening the area’s role as a civic and cultural corridor while integrating the Nobel Center into Stockholm’s daily urban life.
Architectural Design and Spatial Features
The building comprises four interconnected volumes, with its layout echoing the topographical characteristics of Södermalm and the scale of the historic waterfront in Gamla stan across the water. Drawing inspiration from the form of 17th-century merchant residences in the Old Town, the building’s rhythm and proportions create a dialogue with Stockholm’s historical context while presenting a unified overall structure. A rooftop terrace and a new public terrace at the entrance will offer additional public spaces overlooking Saltsjön and Lake Mälaren.
The ground floor is designed as an extension of the public domain, characterized by transparency and openness. The public space in front of the building extends to the entrance level, featuring north and south entrances as well as a public lobby with shops and restaurants, encouraging a seamless transition between urban space and the indoor environment. Carefully designed openings in the interior introduce natural light, framing views of the city and the archipelago, while large north-facing windows on the upper floors expose key internal spaces and activities to the surrounding urban setting.
Sustainable Materials and Construction
Material selection reflects a commitment to environmental responsibility and long-term durability. The building will adopt a structural framework dominated by wood, with an optimized design based on site conditions to reduce load transfer and embodied carbon. The facade will be constructed using recycled red bricks, echoing Stockholm’s long-standing brick-building tradition and iconic structures such as the City Hall, while endowing the institution with a timeless quality befitting its cultural role.
Public Programs and Legacy Exhibition
Conceived as an open civic institution, the Nobel Center will host permanent and temporary exhibitions, lectures, workshops, interdisciplinary conferences, and cultural events covering areas such as scientific research, medical advancements, literature, peace initiatives, and global social challenges. By 2031, visitors will be able to experience Alfred Nobel’s legacy in new ways, including the first permanent public display of his handwritten will.
A new inspiration exhibition showcasing the Nobel Center project opened at the Nobel Prize Museum in Gamla stan on January 15, coinciding with the submission of the building permit application to the City of Stockholm. This exhibition offers a preview of the center’s design concept, architectural features, and future public programs, inviting the public to engage with the project ahead of its construction.
The new Nobel Center is poised to become more than just a building; it will serve as a dynamic hub for knowledge exchange, cultural engagement, and public discourse, honoring Alfred Nobel’s vision while contributing to Stockholm’s reputation as a global center for culture and innovation.
