The church was built between 1908 and 1912 from grey limestone and consecrated on the fourth Sunday of Advent in 1912. Although constructed in the early twentieth century, its design deliberately echoes medieval ideals, drawing inspiration from buildings such as Varnhem monastery church, giving it a cathedral-like, historicist appearance. The main architectural concept is attributed to Adolf Kjellström, with the detailed working drawings carried out by Axel Herman Hägg.
The church takes its name from Olaus Petri, a leading figure of the Swedish Reformation who was born in Örebro in 1493. A statue group depicting him alongside his brother Laurentius Petri, created by sculptor Nils Sjögren, stands outside the church.
A notable feature is the 53-metre bell tower, which dominates the skyline of the Norr district. Visitors can also look out for the stained-glass windows by Carl Almquist, including scenes from the Passion story, and a chancel window showing Christ enthroned with the book of life, flanked by Saint Paul and Saint Peter, the patron saints of the Diocese of Strängnäs.
The site itself has an interesting history: before the church was built, the area was still being developed as part of the expanding town and had previously been parkland, traces of which survive nearby. The church has undergone several renovations since its construction, most recently in 1987.
Musically, the church is known for its substantial organ, originally installed in 1913 and significantly rebuilt in 2013 to create a large romantic-style instrument incorporating older pipework alongside new material. A smaller chamber organ and a choir organ installed in the 1970s are also part of the church's musical life, reflecting its continued use for concerts and services.