Ultra Swank - Retro Adventures

Scenes from Stockholm Central Station in the 1950s

Written by Christopher • February 12th, 2016
Scenes from Stockholm Central Station in the 1950s

The main waiting hall in 1955. — Via stockholmskallan.se

The main train station in Stockholm, Sweden or simply, Stockholm Central Station opened during Victorian times in 1871. Modified and rebuilt in stages during the years, it now welcomes over 200,000 travelers who pass through it during a day. Back in the 1950s, it was all quite different. Let’s explore further.

The station was built in only four years with architect Adolf W. Edelsvärd at the helm. For the first few decades, all the train tracks led into the station but as passenger numbers grew, the station was deemed not to be able to handle the growing traffic. So in 1927, the old track hall was converted into a impressive, almost 120 meter long waiting hall instead.

The “circle”, a large hole in the middle of the waiting hall, looking down to the mezzanine underneath was added in 1958 when the Stockholm Underground system was inaugurated (the station passes through just outside the building), is one of the main meeting places in the city.

At one point there were separate waiting areas and restaurants for first and second class passengers, as well as a separate entrance and waiting hall for members of the Royal family. All of these features have now been lost to time, like so many things.

And speaking of time, let’s travel back to the 1950s and visit the station. Grab a seat and let the people watching begin.

Above: But first, we need a ticket. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Let’s sit down and catch up with todays local news. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Heading down the passage for the south-bound trains. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Passengers heading down to connect to the station after arriving to Stockholm. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Bags and luggage were checked and registered like in the airport. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Taxis waiting outside in the night to whisk us away to a Hotel of choice. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Fancy a bite to eat, there’s plenty to choose from at the second floor restaurant overlooking the waiting hall. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: People waiting in line to buy something to bring along for the trip at Pressbyrån. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Above: Before there was Internet you could book any local Hotel using the “Hotel Central” service. — Via stockholmskallan.se

Christopher

A Swedish expatriate and founder of Ultra Swank. Chris loves showcasing his passion for mid-century design, defunct airlines, Disneyland and modernist architecture. He's also renowned as a connoisseur of easy-listening music from the 60s and 70s.

Find out more about Christopher

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