In January 1918, the Swedish King in Council proposed creating a ministerial position in Helsinki. Foreign Minister Johannes Hellner commented that, given Finland's new status as an independent state, it was essential to establish a diplomatic mission in Helsinki as soon as possible, with a minister and a legation secretary. At the same time, the career consulate general in Helsinki was to be abolished.[1]
In September 1954, the Swedish government decided to elevate the legation in Helsinki to an embassy, and at the same time the current envoy, Gösta Engzell, was appointed ambassador in Helsinki.[2]
Buildings
Chancery
The embassy building was built in 1839 to be businessman J. H. Heidenstrauchs home. It became a diplomatic mission in the 1920s. It was originally designed by architect A. F. Granstedt, but after becoming a diplomatic mission, it was heavily changed. The architect of this was Swedish Torben Grut, who designed it to look like the Stockholm Palace.
