Have you ever seen a school that feels more like a village? Bandhagens skola in the southern part of Stockholm is just that. It’s a school where time seems to stand still, surrounded by tall, graceful trees, and its charming architecture is a perfect reflection of the 1950s when it was built. Here, you can sense the echoes of generations of students whose laughter filled the hallways and whose footsteps still resonate within these walls.
Imagine stepping into a time capsule. The school’s main building is divided into four distinct parts: an administrative building, a dining hall, a gymnasium, and a classroom wing. The classrooms are spread out over three floors and are connected by a long, winding corridor. The gymnasium is a testament to the school’s dedication to physical education, dating back to 1968. You can still see the original wooden floors, and the smell of sawdust and sweat still lingers in the air.
In the dining hall, a huge mural created by the graphic artist Arne Lundström graces the walls. Maybe you can still see the faded images of children playing, or the remnants of the school’s history painted on the walls. Looking closer, you can spy two bronze sculptures at the foot of the stairs, Lilla Flora by Gunnar Nilsson and Gås by Knut Erik Lindberg. They represent the school’s spirit of creativity and the natural world that surrounds it.
Bandhagens skola has been educating children for more than 60 years, from the early days of teaching the first generation of pupils in 1956 to becoming a modern F-6 school. Today, it welcomes almost 500 pupils and hosts a team of 90 dedicated teachers. It’s a school with a strong sense of community, a place where children learn and grow together.
Next time you visit Stockholm, be sure to take a stroll to Bandhagens skola, take a moment to admire the school’s timeless beauty, and maybe even peek into a classroom. You might just get a glimpse of the school’s rich history and the magic that still lingers in its heart.