Uppsala's Historic Entertainment Venue Gets New Life and New Neighbours

Nestled like a small Swiss fretwork pavilion between Stadsträdgården, the Fyris River and Svandammsparken, the entertainment venue Flustret occupies one of Uppsala's most charming spots. Alongside it stands Gymnastiken, a robust sports and health facility — together they form a characterful pair at the park's edge. Yet despite their unique setting and status as beloved cultural landmarks, the area has long struggled with neglect and a feeling of unease. A new public connection between the two buildings, combined with fresh programming, transforms the site into a welcoming and secure gateway to the park — a destination offering hotel, spa, restaurants, culture and recreation. At Gymnastiken, the original pool is restored and the building reclaims its identity as a house of health. Flustret gains a café, restaurant, bar and event spaces, while the ground floor opens outward with verandas and outdoor seating. The additions speak a careful, contemporary architectural language, adopting related but more restrained colours that defer to the character of the historic buildings, allowing the ensemble to read as a natural whole. The result reinforces and enriches what this place has always been — and ensures it will remain so.