Some might think that only devoted fans of the band ABBA will feel at home there. However, the truth is that this spot on Stockholm’s map will appeal not only to enthusiasts who regularly sing “Money, Money, Money” in the shower, but also to those who are not very familiar with the band’s music.
The ABBA Museum is located in Stockholm, on the island of Djurgården, right next to the famous open-air museum, Skansen. This colorful and vibrant cultural center is not just a tribute to Sweden’s most famous music group. It is also one of the more popular stops on a walking tour of the Swedish capital and a unique lesson in pop culture history. Both music lovers and those seeking interesting museums or unusual attractions should not miss this spot.
ABBA and their museum
In 1972, four Swedish musicians—Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus, and Agnetha Fältskog—joined forces to form the band ABBA. Their career was progressing well, but the turning point came in 1974. That’s when ABBA participated in the Eurovision Song Contest and won with the song “Waterloo”. From that moment on, the success of the young group skyrocketed. Hits like “Dancing Queen” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” topped the charts worldwide, and ABBA soon became known as one of the most famous pop bands of all time.
In 2013, a museum dedicated to ABBA was opened in Sweden’s capital, not only to honor the musicians but also to preserve the memory of their journey. Known for its extensive collection and interactive nature, the museum’s foundation collects items from around the world that are connected in any way to the band and Sweden’s music scene.
The Museum Exhibit
This institution is much more than just a typical museum. It’s an immersive, interactive center where even the most knowledgeable ABBA fans will be surprised by new insights, trivia, and stories from the band’s past. Visitors can explore video recordings of their performances, unpublished photos, all of their albums, the awards they won, and even the instruments they loved.
Moreover, the exhibit takes visitors on a journey through places close to the hearts of the band members. There are reproductions of their offices, homes, and even the iconic Polar Studio, where ABBA recorded most of their songs. Among the displays, there’s also a cinema room where you can watch documentaries about the Swedish superstars from the comfort of plush chairs.
The Colorful 1970s
It’s not just fashion lovers who will agree that alongside the music, ABBA’s unique outfits helped define the band’s style. According to many, the museum’s collection of the original costumes worn by the band members is one of its most valuable highlights. Visitors can see the vibrant outfits ABBA wore during their Eurovision debut, costumes from the “Mamma Mia” musical, and many other charismatic pieces of clothing.
The Band and its members
The museum exhibits tell much more than just the story of ABBA. They also share the personal stories of each band member. If you’re curious about Björn’s childhood, Frida’s adolescence, or how music entered Benny’s and Agnetha’s lives, this place will answer all your questions through personal items and their own recorded accounts. You’ll hear anecdotes directly from them about how their lives transformed after forming the band and winning the international contest that catapulted them to fame.
The museum offers insight not only into the past of the four Swedish musicians but also into their journeys to the present day. Through press clippings and interview excerpts, visitors can follow the paths of ABBA’s members after they stopped performing together. You’ll learn what they’ve been up to, what keeps them busy now, and what relationships they maintain. Who knows, you might even discover a bit about their ambitious plans for the future.
Interactive exhibits
What stands out most for visitors to the museum are its interactive exhibits, which are constantly updated to ensure unforgettable experiences. Believe me, before you begin your journey into the world of ABBA, you won’t expect such engaging displays. Thanks to holograms, you can step into the shoes of a fifth band member and experience what it’s like to perform on stage with ABBA. You can also sit on a park bench for a photo op with the band members or use a professional audio mixer to unleash your musical creativity. For die-hard fans, one station even lets you test your knowledge about Sweden’s pop royalty.
Among the surprising attractions, you’ll also find some mysterious items. One of the most intriguing is the enigmatic “Ring Ring” telephone, whose number is known only to Anni-Frid, Benny, Björn, and Agnetha. So, don’t expect to hear it ring during your visit. However, with a bit of luck, you might catch other sounds. In one room stands a piano connected to Benny’s grand piano at his home. This means that any melody you hear in the museum is actually being played by one of ABBA’s members from the comfort of his home.
Journeys through time and space
The multimedia stations also transport museum visitors on a little journey. Thanks to these, anyone can step into the shoes of Donna from “Mamma Mia” while she paints her house before the wedding, or travel back to 1966 to the Folkpark and witness the first meeting between Björn and Benny. But that’s not the only historical moment ABBA fans can relive over and over again. The interactive setups also allow for a trip to Brighton in 1974, where, surrounded by original items, Eurovision enthusiasts can experience once more (or for younger fans, for the first time) the breakthrough night of ABBA’s Eurovision victory.
Temporary exhibitions
A portion of the museum space is dedicated to temporary exhibitions, which change every year or every few years. Their themes are broad, and while they don’t always focus directly on ABBA, they are always tied to music in some way. For example, the exhibition displayed from 2016-2018 told the story of the Eurovision Song Contest, while the installations from 2019-2022 took visitors behind the scenes of the film Mamma Mia!, inspired by ABBA’s music.
Visiting the ABBA Museum
Most visitors to the ABBA Museum agree that you don’t have to be a die-hard fan of the group to have a great time at this center. The wealth of music world information and, most importantly, the fascinating, interactive exhibits that are hard to step away from, make it worth setting aside a few hours for a visit through its corridors.
And speaking of reservations, it’s definitely worth purchasing your tickets online, for example, via this website. Not only will it save you a bit of money, but it will also secure entry at your preferred time of day. This way, you can also ensure that the attraction is open on the day you plan to visit, as the space is sometimes rented out for private events.
Practical information
- It is best to purchase tickets for the ABBA Museum in advance. This way, you can avoid standing in long lines and reduce the risk of tickets being sold out.
- Address: Djurgårdsvägen 68, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden
- Buy tickets on GetYourGuide
