Designed by Sven Markelius, completed 1932 The Hälsingborg Concert Hall was built in 1932 on Drottning-gatan opposite St. Jörgen’s Square. Hailed as a pioneering work of functionalism, it is also the first monumental exponent of the modern style in Sweden. The long and complicated history reflects changes that occurred in the first decades of the 20th century, not only architecturally but also socially. In 1911 a permanent orchestra was established in Hälsingborg with its spa. In 1915 it was suggested that the local authori ties should erect a society house (Borgarnas Hus) with a concert space. Because public funding was not forthcoming, the industrialist Henry Dunker suggested in 1916 a corporate venture; Dunker managed to secure a majority of shares and became, in practice, the builder. Later, it gave him the possibility to offer unflagging support for the radical new ideas of the architect. From the outset two lines were represented in the building committee: the idea of a multipurp...