Knowledge is power. This motto is not just a saying. It is the guiding principle of Matteusskolan.
Here we stand before Matteusskolan. It is a place where knowledge and future meet. The school’s story began long ago.
Let’s step back to 1902. King Oscar II inaugurated Adolf Fredriks Norra Folkskola. It was later renamed Matteusskolan in 1905. Imagine 1900 children filling these halls.
Georg A. Nilsson designed the school. This commission was his first major project. He later became a leading school architect in Sweden. Nilsson designed 23 schools.
Look at the U-shaped building. Notice the entrance facing Vanadisvagen. Nilsson chose a simple corridor design. Classrooms line one side. Windows line the other.
Each classroom was spacious. It was 8 meters long and 6.25 meters wide. The ceilings reached 4 meters high.
Did you spot the ventilation hoods? Nilsson drew inspiration from Johannisburg Castle in Germany. The castle’s towers inspired him.
Inside, a mural awaits. Nils Kreuger painted “Midsummer at Slussen.” He signed it in 1905. It covers a wall in the assembly hall.
The facade is striking. Light red brick contrasts with smooth plaster. Wisdom words adorn the building. “We do not learn for school but for life.” “Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” “Own hearth worth gold.” These phrases decorate the facade. A local church leader selected them. Georg A. Nilsson designed the other decorations.
In 1945, the Estonian School began here. Estonians fleeing World War II found refuge. Herman Rajamaa led 33 students. They gathered in an empty classroom at Matteus Folkskola.
In 2018, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited. They learned about mental health programs for students. The visit drew international attention.
Matteusskolan appears in literature and film. “Mio in the Land of Faraway” was filmed here. Roland Schütt’s “Kådisbellan” mentions the school. Michael Nyqvist’s autobiography recalls his time at Matteus School.
The school embraces its motto. “Knowledge is power” reflects its commitment to education. Matteusskolan strives to empower students. The school’s vision is clear. “Wings to carry for the future.” It prepares students for what lies ahead.
Matteusskolan received the Quality Award from Stockholm in 2022. This award recognizes successful development within the city.
The school has a parent association. Parents and staff work together. They organize events like the Nobel Dinner and ski trips.
Here at Matteusskolan, history and future connect.