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Folkets hus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Folkets hus, Swedish "The People's House", in Sweden is the name of proletarian community centres located in almost all cities.
When the Swedish labour movement and trade unions began to organize towards the end of the 19th century, the workers were in great need for premises of their own where they could hold meetings without interference. Opposition against the labour movement from the capitalists and landlords was strong and workers were not welcome to use existing premises. Landowners even forbade open-air meetings.
The workers in Sweden decided to buy their own land and build their own houses. The idea spread all over the country. Construction was funded through co-operative ventures, various forms of contribution and not least voluntary work.
The construction of the Folkets hus in Stockholm started in 1897 and the house was opened in 1901, located at Norra Bantorget.
In 1906 the Russian Bolsheviks and Mensheviks were welcomed to hold their forth congress at Stockholm Folkets hus.
In 1955 the original Stockholm Folkets hus was demolished to make place for a new, bigger and more modern house.