“World of Volvo,” designed by Henning Larsen, unfolds within a large circular structure surrounded by lush landscaping that extends to an accessible rooftop terrace. Its spaces are designed to host cultural events, talks, and conferences, with a capacity for up to 1,100 people. The 4,500 m² exhibition area presents the public with a comprehensive overview of Volvo’s history and philosophy, featuring iconic vehicles, immersive stories, and interactive displays.
For its construction, a main structure of glued and cross-laminated timber was chosen. The structure comprises three columns that extend and support the entire load of the roof.
"World of Volvo" by Henning Larsen. Photograph by Rasmus Hjortshøj.
Project description by Henning Larsen
Visitors will step inside under Henning Larsen’s timber canopy for the first time on Sunday 14th April, coinciding with Volvo’s annual birthday celebrations.
A unique experience center for the famed Swedish brands, Volvo Cars and Volvo Group, World of Volvo is designed around Scandinavian values of freedom of movement, access to nature and openness and inclusion.
Spanning 22,000 m², the main timber structure, made of glulam and crosslaminated timber, forms three striking tree-trunk like columns, fanning out to carry the entire load of the roof - enveloping visitors in a welcoming forest-like canopy.
Situated in the heart of Gothenburg’s event district, ample, versatile spaces are set to host cultural events, talks, and conferences, accommodating up to 1,100 attendees. The 4,500m2 exhibition space offers a comprehensive journey through Volvo's history, present innovations, and future visions, highlighted by iconic vehicles, immersive stories, and interactive displays, all centered around Volvo's human-centric and forward-looking ethos.
A right to nature
The expansive round structure encourages visitors to create their own journeys both indoors and outdoors, regardless of whether they hold tickets to the exhibition inside. Surrounded by a thriving landscape that extends onto an accessible roof, the building embraces the regional landscape, in form, materiality, and culture, bringing a native piece of Swedish nature to the middle of Gothenburg.
"As a brand Volvo is rooted in a Swedish pride for producing and manufacturing quality for everyone. This is spotlighted and celebrated at World of Volvo, and we are so proud to see the building come to life and welcome its first visitors on the same day as Volvo’s birthday celebrations,” says Martin Stenberg Ringnér, Associate Design Director, Henning Larsen.
At both dining venues, Ceno Brasserie, which welcomes all visitors, and Ceno On Top, an exclusive space for conference guests and larger parties, the celebrated restaurateur Götaplatsgruppen has created a culinary experience that mirrors Volvo's dedication to excellence. The spotlight shines on locally sourced and seasonal produce, with award-winning signature chef, Stefan Karlsson, bringing the freshest flavors of the region.
