The Golden Hall: A Stunning Venue for Nobel Prize Winners

On December 5th at 12 PM local time, the final internal tour for tourists took place at the Stockholm City Hall (Stadhus) ahead of the Nobel Prize ceremony banquet scheduled for December 10th.

The most renowned area of the City Hall, completed in 1923, is the 'Blue Hall.' This expansive 1,500 square meter space is surrounded by beautiful red bricks, contrary to its name. Originally intended to be painted blue to symbolize Stockholm, the architect decided against it, believing the red bricks were too lovely to cover. The blue and yellow colors represent Sweden, and the name 'Blue Hall' was retained to pair with the adjacent 'Golden Hall.'

During the banquet on December 10th, a long dining table will be set up in the Blue Hall, accommodating around 1,300 guests, including Nobel laureates and members of the Swedish royal family, all invited by the Nobel Committee. A longstanding tradition dictates that the Swedish King must receive his meal first, with the rest of the attendees served within approximately eight minutes. Over 190 servers have been rehearsing their movements for months in preparation for this event.

Ascending the staircase leads to a long corridor where numerous cameras will be set up to broadcast the event live. However, filming is prohibited in this corridor, which serves as a sort of 'VIP room' for a select few attendees, including Nobel laureates and royals, allowing them a moment of respite.

Next is the 'Golden Hall,' adorned with 18 million gold mosaics. At the center stands a goddess representing Stockholm. While the banquet is held in the Blue Hall, this space temporarily serves as a waiting area for servers to place dishes prepared in the kitchen. After the dinner concludes, it transforms into a ballroom and after-party venue.

On December 6th, the Stockholm Concert Hall was bustling with preparations for the ceremony, which will take place before the banquet. On the day of the event, special red chairs will be arranged on stage for the Swedish royals when they attend the concert hall, designated specifically for the Nobel Prize winners.