The history of the Campus buildings
The KTH Campus was built in 1914-17 within the district of Djurgården, at Lill-Jans forest, north of Valhallavägen.
The foundation stone was laid in 1914. Three years later the brick-clad main building, with a courtyard and grand entrance designed by architect Erik Lallerstedt, was finished. KTH's new residence was inaugurated on October 19, 1917. Present at the ceremony were President Carl Jacob Magnell and King Gustav V.
KTH Campus area has grown over the years and is now the same size as Stockholm’s old town. It is also the home of the Opera School, University of Dance and Circus (DOCH), and the National Defence College, as well as various institutions and companies. 20 000 people work and study within the grounds.
The Artwork at KTH Campus
The Campus buildings have an extraordinary large collection of art. During construction, architect Erik Lallerstedt and the School Building Committee involved several eminent artists.
In front of the entrance sits the Industry Well, a fountain sculpture designed by Carl Milles. The base consists of granite, with embossed figures representing different craftsman (carpenters, metalworkers, blacksmiths, tailors, bookbinders and cobblers). The fountain is made of bronze, and embossed in it’s basin is a dramatic scene depicting the hunt for a centaur.
Also, the curved portion of the arch into the castle courtyard is decorated with embossed sculptures designed by Carl Milles, showing humans struggle with the four elements of earth, fire, air and water. In addition to Carl Milles, there is work by Ivar Johnsson, the artist most represented across campus, who also maintained a studio at KTH for two years while the artworks were being completed.
Among the long list of artists represented on campus are Carl Vilhelm Elmberg, Einar Forseth, Olle Hjortzberg, Ivar Johnsson, Georg Pauli, Tore Strindberg, Axel Törneman and Hilding Linnqvist, and many more. Recently, more artists have joined, including Franz Ackermann, Ove Tällström and Tomas Karlsson.
KTH campus today
Since the construction of the main campus at Valhallavägen, KTH has grown to encompass four campuses, KTH Campus, KTH Kista, KTH Flemingsberg, KTH Södertälje, as well as several workplaces.
Guided tours on KTH Campus
Experience the Royal Institute of Technology from a new perspective through art, architecture and history on campus Valhallavägen.