Photo: Jesper Karlsson.

Barnrikehuset 1937

This two-room apartment shows how the Jonasson family lived in the late 1930s.

In 1937, the first residents moved into new social housing on Stickelbärsvägen at Roslagstull, marking a new era for Swedish housing policy.

The project was the government’s first initiative to provide modern, high-quality homes for low-income families with multiple children.

For many, the kitchen's gas cooker was an exciting novelty. Photo: Jesper Karlsson.

To qualify for a two-room flat, families were required to have at least four children. Though small, these apartments felt like paradise to residents moving from neglected tenements that lacked central heating or running water.

Having constant hot water, a private flushing toilet, and a bathtub was an incredible luxury at the time. Photo: Jesper Karlsson.

Each flat featured a modern kitchen, bathroom, and access to a communal laundry facility.

Location

Stickelbärsvägen 7, Östermalm

Facts about the Barnrikehuset apartment

Address: Stickelbärsvägen 7, Östermalm
Year built: 1936
Floor area: 42 square metres
Became a museum apartment: 1990
Standard: Bathroom; flush toilet; hot and cold running water; central heating; gas stove; access to a shared laundry room.

Number of rooms: 2 plus kitchen
Rooms: Living room/bedroom, nursery/bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and hallway.

Experience the apartment

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