Perhaps surprisingly, this red brick building before us is the Embassy of Sweden in Moscow. It stands as Sweden’s chief diplomatic mission to the Russian Federation. The Embassy of Sweden has a long history here in Moscow.
Swedish agents had their own house in Moscow as early as 1617. However, it was confiscated during the Great Wrath. A consulate was intermittently staffed during the 18th and 19th centuries. An honorary consulate was established in 1872. Moscow was elevated to a consulate general in 1916. It was later closed during the Russian Revolution. The diplomatic mission was moved back to Moscow from Leningrad in 1924.
The legation in Moscow was elevated to an embassy in 1947. Today, the Embassy of Sweden is one of Sweden’s largest diplomatic missions. It represents Sweden and the Swedish government in Russia. It promotes Swedish interests across various sectors.
Let’s take a closer look at how the Embassy of Sweden operates. The Economic Department monitors the Russian economic situation. They focus on conditions for Swedish businesses. The Political Department reports on Russia’s political landscape. This includes human rights issues and foreign policy.
The Migration Department handles visas and permits for Russian citizens. The Administrative Department assists Swedish citizens in Russia. This includes those who have lost their passports. The Cultural Department shares information about Sweden. They engage in various cultural activities. The Defense Department monitors military and security developments in Russia.
The embassy’s chancery has moved several times. In the 1910s, it was in Petrograd. By the early 1920s, it had relocated to Moscow. After negotiations, construction began on this new Swedish embassy in 1968. It was ready for use in 1972. Anders Tengbom designed the building.
Notice the tight red brick and closed facade. This design reflects security concerns. Windows face the garden. The closed facade is balanced by bright interiors. After an incident in the 1980s, the embassy area was fenced off. In the courtyard, Bror Marklund’s sculpture “Gestalt i storm” stands prominently. The bricks for the facades came from Forsa brickworks.
In 2002, a new visa chancery was added. It was built to handle increased visa processing. The extension matches the existing buildings’ exterior. A large lantern brings extra daylight into the visa office. Jesper Husman was the architect for this addition.
The Embassy of Sweden stands as a symbol of diplomatic ties. It has faced many challenges and changes throughout its history. Today, it continues to play a crucial role. It fosters relations between Sweden and Russia.