New Jury to Refresh Arlanda's Portrait Gallery

Air travelers arriving at Stockholm Arlanda Airport are greeted by the “Welcome to my hometown” portrait gallery, a beloved feature showcasing individuals who have significantly contributed to Stockholm and Sweden. A new jury has been appointed to refresh this gallery, which has been a staple in the baggage halls of Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 since 2005.

The newly selected jury includes Chair Jonas Abrahamsson, President and CEO of Swedavia, Karl Eklund, Swedavia’s Airport Director at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Charlotte Ljunggren, Director of Marketing and Sales at Swedavia, Caroline Strand, Deputy CEO of Stockholm Business Region, and Daniella Waldfogel, CEO of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce. The first three members hold permanent seats, while Strand and Waldfogel will serve for two years.

“The ‘Welcome to my hometown’ portrait gallery is a much appreciated feature at the airport that has been welcoming Arlanda travelers to Stockholm since 2005,” says Jonas Abrahamsson. “Now we are updating the gallery with even more high-profile residents so that we can introduce them to our foreign guests and make returning Swedes feel proud.”

The jury, which convened for the first time on March 6, will select four new portraits this year—two in the spring and two in the autumn. Next year, they will choose one additional portrait on two separate occasions. Eligible candidates must have made a significant impact on the region through achievements in innovation, culture, sport, business, music, art, or design, and align with Swedavia’s values: welcoming, reliable, innovative, and committed.

Daniella Waldfogel expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I feel both happy and honored to be part of the jury for ‘Welcome to my hometown’. The initiative is a fantastic tribute to the people who have made a significant impact on Stockholm and Sweden.”

Caroline Strand added, “To be given the opportunity to highlight those Stockholmers who truly inspire others and contribute to our city’s identity and position in the world is not only a great honor, but also important for the city’s development and sense of cohesion.”

Currently, the gallery features 88 portraits, including notable figures such as artist Barbro “Lill-Babs” Svensson, hockey legend Börje Salming, professional footballer John Guidetti, swimmer Sarah Sjöström, singer Zara Larsson, and Crown Princess Victoria and her family.