The inauguration of Stockholm Central Station, 143 years late

Stockholm Central Station was never officially inaugurated when it opened in 1871. But 143 years later the city picked up the challenge, and in February 2014 the moment finally arrived. Commissioned by Rewir on behalf of the City of Stockholm, we delivered design and technology for a two-day event.

The solution included a large stage clad in copper-effect carpentry and panel prints, creating a feel of something over 140 years old. As a backdrop, a gigantic gas clock hung behind the stage – in place of glass panels around the flame, six vertical TV screens displayed video effects.

After the first day's opening ceremony with Crown Princess Victoria, the stage was converted into a gigantic pergola. The gas clock became a centrepiece with built-in AR technology that displayed animated birds landing on visitors as they sat on the pergola's park benches.

Project photos

Entréinramning med printade budskap och drapering kring pelare, invigning Stockholm Centralstation 2014 Displaymöbel på aktiveringsytan på Stockholm Centralstation, invigning 2014 Specialbyggd displaymöbel med inbyggda skärmar berättar om Centralstationens historia Specialbyggd scen med gammal look, invigning Stockholm Centralstation 2014 Scen med specialbyggd gasklocka med inbyggda tv-skärmar som fond, invigning Stockholm C Vy över hela scenområdet vid invigningen av Stockholm Centralstation 2014 Scen ombyggd till gigantisk pergola med trosskonstruktion och dekor, dag 2 Stockholm Centralstation

Our delivery

For this project we delivered:

  • Sound

    Audio technology for the opening ceremony with a PA system, wireless microphones, audio mixing and live band equipment. Read more about sound

  • Light

    A large truss structure forming the basis of the entire stage, plus stage lighting with moving and conventional fixtures. Read more about light

  • Video & LED

    A video solution with two projected display surfaces at the stage, video mixing and computers for presentations and film screening. TV screens for the gas clock and display modules around the central concourse were also delivered. Read more about video & led

  • Decor & Set Design

    Stage decking, room draping with fabric and carpeting for the stage and surrounding areas. Read more about decor & set design

  • Carpentry

    The gigantic gas clock, stage details and print rigging around the stage were produced by the carpentry team. Everything was painted by set painters to simulate elements over 140 years old. Read more about carpentry

  • Print

    Panel prints framing the stage and other elements in the heritage look, plus branding for entrances and surrounding areas. Read more about print

  • Content & Graphics

    The graphics team produced all original artwork with the heritage look, which the print team then printed. Read more about content & graphics

  • Project Management

    Delivery and installation were coordinated by project manager Andreas Bonnevier. Read more about project management

Project photos

Entrance framing with printed messaging and column draping, inauguration Stockholm Central Station 2014
The entrance framed with printed messaging and fabric draping around the columns.
Display unit in activation area at Stockholm Central Station, inauguration 2014
Display unit in the activation area at the central station.
Custom-built display unit with integrated screens telling the story of Stockholm Central Station
Event staff using the display unit to tell visitors about the history of Stockholm Central Station.
Custom-built stage with heritage look, inauguration Stockholm Central Station 2014
Custom-built stage with copper-effect carpentry and panel prints creating a 140-year-old aesthetic.
Stage with custom-built gas clock with integrated TV screens as backdrop, inauguration Stockholm Central
The backdrop was a custom-built gas clock with integrated TV screens displaying video effects in place of glass panels.
Overview of full stage area at inauguration of Stockholm Central Station 2014
Overview of the full stage area at the inauguration of Stockholm Central Station.
Stage converted to gigantic pergola with truss structure and decor, day 2 Stockholm Central Station
After the opening ceremony, the stage was converted into a gigantic pergola with truss structure, decor and park benches.