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Architecture

History

From the first motion to the opening in 2007. It took many years before Uppsala got its concert hall!

From motion to opening – a brief history

The question of a concert hall in Uppsala had been discussed repeatedly for decades. Several options were launched and the debates raged both for and against. In April 2004, the Uppsala Municipal Council decided to build a concert hall and conference centre and one year later in April 2005, the first groundbreaking step was taken in the construction of the new Uppsala Konsert & Kongress building, which was officially opened on 1 September 2007.

  • 1910s: The first documented request for a Music Hall in Uppsala.
  • 1960 Leif Carlsson (m) files a request motion with the city council for a concert venue.
  • 1965 An investigation is added. It proposes that a “Music Hall” be built in 1973 in the Gerd Quarter at Vaksala Square.
  • 1983 The Uppsala Municipal Council makes the decision not to pursue the proposal any further.
  • 1988 The Friends of Music Hall association is formed.
  • 1990 The question is raised again. The company, Musikens Hus i Uppsala AB (Music Hall in Uppsala Ltd.), is formed and runs a competition for a building in the Gerd Quarter at Vaksala Square.
  • 1993 The municipal council votes the winning proposal out.
  • 1998 Proposals submitted for a simpler concert and conference venue through the renovation and extension of the Nannaskolan school building.  The procurement was cancelled as there were no tenders received that met the requirements of the municipal council.
  • 2002 The municipal council announces an international architecture competition for a concert hall and conference centre in the Gerd Quarter at Vaksala Square.  The winning proposal by Henning Larsen Tegnestue from Copenhagen was selected from 134 submissions.
  • 2004 On 14 April, the municipal council decides to build a concert hall and conference centre by 49 votes in favour to 32 votes against.
  • 2005 The historic, first groundbreaking step is taken on Tuesday, 5 April  in the Gerd Quarter.
  • 2006 On 21 March, the company changes its name to Uppsala Konsert & Kongress AB. This was to clarify the two primary business areas in which the company would be active.
  • 2007 The Uppsala Konsert & Kongress opens on 1 September with opening party celebrations lasting for three days.