Centralpalatset - the central palace

Between 1870 and 1910, Östersund's population grew fivefold and trade expanded rapidly.

In 1908, Centralpalatset was completed, designed by architect Knut G. Gyllencreutz for merchants Carolina and Olof Johansson. The building had an art nouveau facade with a corner tower and rounded gables — a clear statement of the city's growth and ambitions.

Under one roof it held a bank, a post office, shops, a cinema, a bathhouse, and exclusive apartments. It later became a venue for variety shows and cultural events as well.

On the 17th of January 2010, a fire broke out in the attic and destroyed the top floor, causing severe damage throughout. The water used to fight the fire caused further destruction, and despite a demolition ban, the decision was made to tear the building down.

But the story didn't end there. A new building rose in its place, and in 2015 the new Centralpalatset was inaugurated — modern and energy-efficient, with the spirit of the past still present in its facade.

The Central Palace in Östersund, designed by architect Knut G. Gyllencreutz and completed in 1908, was a grand Art Nouveau building with elements of classicism that reflected the city's growth at the turn of the century. The building housed everything from a bank, post office and shops to a cinema, bathhouse and exclusive residences – and later also became a venue for variety shows and cultural life.

Photos provided by the association of Gamla Östersund.
Gamla Östersund through the foundations managed by the association.