02 Dec Konstnärshuset
Konstnärshuset in 1897 as depicted by the architect Ludwig Peterson
During World War II one of the restaurants convenient to the American Legation in Stockholm was Konstnärshuset on Smålandsgatan 7, barely more than a five-minute scenic walk away. Konstnärshuset google translates to “Artists’ House.”
Construction on the building was completed in 1899. The well-known Swedish architect Johan Ludwig Peterson designed with an elegant Venetian façade. Today the property is officially listed as a historically valuable building.
From what I gather from my research, there were artist exhibits at Konstnärshuset from the very beginning and then a restaurant opened on the main floor in 1931. The famous artist Evert Lundquist held his first exhibition at Konstnärshuset in 1934 with repeat showings there in 1938 and 1941. I know that my Dad, Lt. Herman F. Allen, ate there in 1944, and I am sure other American internees did also, especially if they had any interest in seeing local Swedish artwork.
KB KonstnärBar, Smålandsgatan 7, Stockholm, from Google Maps
Today Konstnärshuset is owned by the Swedish Artists Association and has more than twenty exhibitions each year. The restaurant, now known as KB KonstnärBar, occupies the ground floor, just as during the war. According to its website it has been a “waterhole for famous artists and actors. Even today you can see today’s artists, journalists and art patrons at the restaurant.” A current exhibition showcases photographer Felix Oppenheim.
From the looks of the Google map, the restaurant is beautiful and one I definitely want to visit when I am in Stockholm next year.
As always, I welcome comments and corrections from anyone reading this who has actually been there!
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