Södra Saluhallen

Market hall turned air defence workshop during World War II

When urbanization gained momentum in the second half of the nineteenth century, food security became a significant and essential issue for Malmö. The risk of disease meant that sanitary conditions had to be improved. For example, foods such as meat, fish, and dairy products require controlled temperatures should be stored under ceilings and walls. As a result, the market halls became a new element in the street scene.

City architect Salomon Sörensen was the architect behind Södra Saluhallen. It stood completed in 1907, and now people could buy their groceries and meats under better and controlled forms.

A few decades later, it becomes increasingly difficult for the market halls to manage their operations. World War II starts, and with it comes rationing and food shortages. The market hall on Föreningsgatan became an air defense workshop during the war and was later changed to a sports hall, after which, coming full circle, it became a regular supermarket — which it still is today.