Cassels
In Grängesberg, there is a magnificent building named after a renowned banker, Sir Ernest Cassel. Nowhere else in our country can you find a concert and cultural hall that rivals this one.
The reason Grängesberg became the site of this grand house is that the English banker Sir Ernest Cassel (1852–1921) had tremendous success with his bold investments worldwide. He became one of the richest men of his time and earned the nickname “The Financial Prince.”
In the 1880s, Cassel decided to invest in Grängesberg, recognizing the potential of its 200 open-pit mines and underground mines. He founded Grängesbergs Grufve AB with the business idea of consolidating all the small mines under one roof, as well as integrating all other stages of production.
To also control the transportation of iron, he financed most of the Swedish railway stock company, the Swedish Central Railway Association, and bought into smaller railways in Bergslagen, which became the foundation for TGOJ (Trafikaktiebolaget Grängesberg Oxelösunds Järnvägar).
Everything happened at a rapid pace. Many people moved to Grängesberg as workers were in high demand. By the turn of the 20th century, the Grängesberg company was the most profitable business in the country.
Sir Ernest Cassel was not only a skilled investor but also understood the importance of providing miners with a good environment. He donated money to a fund for the workers of Grängesberg, which was used to create a park with sports facilities, a grand bathhouse, and a school kitchen—all aimed at ensuring workers’ physical and moral well-being.
The donation also included the construction of an extraordinary building to house a library, concerts, gatherings, and festivities. The building featured a façade reminiscent of the Bank of England and was named Cassels.
However, as the board of the donation consisted solely of directors and governors, with no representation from the workers, they interpreted the fund’s terms in such a way that prominent Social Democrats were prohibited from speaking in the house, which caused significant controversy.
In 1914, Cassel sold his shares in the company. Seven years later, he passed away, leaving his vast fortune to his granddaughter, Edwina, who married Lord Mountbatten the following year.
On Walpurgis Night in 1992, a devastating fire broke out in Cassels, severely damaging the building. The roof collapsed, and much of the interior was destroyed. Fortunately, the building was fully insured, and the board, in collaboration with the insurance company, decided to rebuild it. To this day, concerts and other events are held here.
Fact Box
Concert and cultural hall in Grängesberg, renowned for its beauty and outstanding acoustics.
Inaugurated in January 1900.
Named after one of the wealthiest men of his time, financier Sir Ernest Cassel, who funded its construction and dedicated it to the workers of Grängesbergsbolaget.
Cassel was a close friend of the British royal family, who entrusted him with managing their finances.
His granddaughter Edwina was named after Edward VII.
Visitor Address
Bergsmansvägen 33, 772 40 Grängesberg
info@musikicassels.se
0771-626262
