Malmö old City Hall January 11, 2005 My previous post concerning Malmö was rather negative. Unfortunately, there have been 2 more shootings this past week. Sigh! So here's something positive! The construction of Malmö's Old City Hall was originally started after the reformation, when the monastery adjoining the square was demolished (1536 – 1538). The square then became the largest in Scandinavia. Plans for a city hall had been discussed already 1353. Part of the square was appropriated for the construction (1544 – 1547). The city hall facade was remade in the new classical style in the beginning of the 1800s. However, this was to be replaced with the present (Danish) renaissance facade from 1860, designed by Hugo Zetterwall and his interpretation of how the original building must have looked like. He did a very good job of it. The statues decorating the facade are of prominent citizens of the city. In 1959, a modern city hall was constructed several blocks east of the old city hall. The old city hall is now used for ceremonial purposes, state visits, and city council meetings. The basement story houses a very fine, large restaurant, available to both groups as to individuals. One of my classes had their graduation dinner/party there. The food and service were excellent and not as expensive as one would expect! I bet I’ve made you all hungry now! Enjoy!