Kommendanthuset (Commandant’s House), Malmo

The Commandant’s House (Kommendanthuset) is a historic building situated just across from Malmöhus Castle and now forms part of the Malmö Museum complex. Originally built in 1786 on the orders of King Gustav III, the structure was intended as a fabric storehouse for Malmöhus Castle. Positioned on the Banér bastion, the building features an austere classicist style typical of late 18th-century military architecture, complete with plastered red facades, a granite base, and a copper roof.

Throughout its history, the Commandant’s House has served various functions, including a hospital, storage facility, armory, and even a residence for the prison commandant when Malmöhus Castle was used as a prison. Its role as a residence earned the building its current name in 1847. After the prison closed during the interwar period, the building and the castle grounds were repurposed as emergency housing for the homeless. It wasn’t until a major renovation in 1965 that the Commandant’s House was restored to its former appearance and became part of Malmö Museums.

For many years, the Commandant’s House housed one of Sweden’s largest military history collections, showcasing artifacts from the Crown Prince’s Hussar Regiment, which was stationed in Malmö until 1927. The collection was eventually moved to the Malmö Museums’ storage facility in 1997. From that point until 2014, the second floor of the Commandant’s House became a venue for photography exhibitions, featuring works by both international and national artists.

Today, the Commandant’s House is more than just a historical landmark. It hosts a variety of events, workshops, and activities for all ages, including photography exhibitions, seminars, and educational programs for children and adolescents. The building also offers flexible project spaces, a City Planning Forum, and a showroom. If you’re in the mood for a healthy meal, the on-site Simply Café serves locally sourced, ecological food.