Sara kulturhus: Cultural hub in northern Sweden

By Malin Norman | Photos: Jonas Westling

Sara kulturhus has become somewhat of a global phenomenon. One of the tallest wooden structures in the world, it houses leading art museums and concert halls, restaurants, a city library, theatre and hotel. It goes without saying, this is the cultural hub of the North.

Opened in 2021, Sara kulturhus in Skellefteå’s city centre is bursting with creativity. The building consists of two art institutions, Skellefteå Konsthall and Museum Anna Nordlander, as well as Västerbottensteatern, the regional theatre association. In addition to six stages for cultural events, the city library is also located here, plus three restaurants and The Wood Hotel by Elite.

Upon opening, the building quickly became a hub for locals and visitors seeking entertainment, enlightenment or simply a dynamic space to meet. In a constant state of creative activity, Sara kulturhus is bustling with events and exciting exhibitions. Authors’ talks, improvisations, guided tours, art workshops and after-work events also mean that there is something for everyone.

“Our concert diary is jam-packed with musicals, Swedish artists, cultural personalities and international talents,” says Anna Jirstrand Sandlund, CEO. “Last year was a big success, with over 700,000 visits. Two highlights included the comedy duo Leif & Billy, with 15 sold-out shows, and KAJ, with a record number of visitors for a single performance. With more than 66,500 concert tickets sold, it’s clear that Sara kulturhus has become the cultural hub of northern Sweden.”

Photo: John Carlsson

In addition to its own activities, last year visitors to Sara kulturhus also generated an additional SEK 25 million for the city, including hotel stays, restaurant visits, shopping, and so on. “Giving back to our community, Sara kulturhus has also generated SEK 2.8 million for local associations by involving them in hosting and managing the cloakroom.” This has become an important part of the cultural centre’s way of contributing to and strengthening the society in which it operates.

Another initiative with sustainability in focus is Sara Kulturskog in collaboration with Holmen, one of the largest forest owners in Sweden. “For each event held, a tree is planted as a symbolic thank you,” explains Jirstrand Sandlund. Inaugurated last fall, Sara Kulturskog now contains around 400 pine trees. “This initiative connects culture and local forestry, and gives cultural experiences a longer and more lasting resonance.”

All the wood used in building Sara kulturhus was collected from within a 120-kilometre radius, which significantly reduced emissions during its construction, and every tree has been replanted, demonstrating the project’s circular approach to production. “We take pride in our home and the nature that surrounds us, and by bringing Sara kulturhus to life, we have brought the forest into the city in a ground-breaking way,” concludes Jirstrand Sandlund.

Sara kulturhus: Cultural hub in northern Sweden