ABBA: The Museum, or Abbamuseet as it's known in Swedish, is a must-visit destination for any fan of the legendary pop group ABBA. Located on Djurgårdsvägen 68 in the heart of Djurgården, Stockholm, this museum offers an immersive and interactive experience into the world of one of the most successful music groups of all time. Nestled within the Royal National City Park, the museum shares its building with the Swedish Music Hall of Fame, making it a cultural hotspot for music lovers.
The idea for ABBA: The Museum began in 2006, spearheaded by Ewa Wigenheim and Ulf Westman. Initially, the plan was to open the museum in Stora Tullhuset at Stadsgården in 2009. However, the project encountered several twists and turns, including a global touring exhibition under the name Abbaworld, which debuted in London in January 2010. The exhibition traveled to Melbourne, Sydney, Hungary, and the Czech Republic before finally finding its permanent home in Stockholm. The museum officially opened its doors on May 7, 2013, and within sixteen months, it had already welcomed half a million visitors.
The museum's building, designed by Johan Celsing Arkitektkontor, is an architectural marvel that harmonizes with its surroundings. The structure, which also houses the Backstage Hotel, features a unique L-shaped layout with three above-ground floors and a rooftop level. Each floor is slightly recessed from the one below, giving the building a distinctive tiered appearance. The facade is clad in painted solid and laminated wood, framing long terraces and glass sections, while the flat roofs are adorned with sedum plants. The museum occupies the ground and basement levels, with the entrance conveniently located off Djurgårdsvägen.
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ABBA: The Museum offers an array of exhibits that bring the band's storied career to life. Björn Ulvaeus, one of the band's members, played an active role in curating the exhibits, and all four members contributed personal items. Visitors can use an audio guide, narrated by the band members themselves, to hear firsthand stories and memories from their illustrious career. The script for the audio guide was specially written by Catherine Johnson, the screenwriter of the musical film Mamma Mia!
The museum features several reconstructed environments that transport visitors back to key moments in ABBA's history. One highlight is the Polar Studio, where the band recorded songs from 1978. Here, visitors can see a piano linked to Benny Andersson's current studio, which plays automatically when Andersson plays in his studio. Other notable exhibits include scenes from Swedish folk parks, the songwriting cabin on Viggsö, and Stikkan Anderson's office in Stockholm.
One of the museum's unique features is a red telephone that any of the ABBA members can call to speak with visitors directly. This element adds an exciting layer of interactivity and surprise for fans. Additionally, the museum offers various interactive experiences, such as performing on stage with ABBA, singing in the studio, and participating in quizzes. Visitors can download their performances and quiz results using a barcode on their entrance ticket.
Adjacent to the museum is a well-stocked museum shop and a restaurant that is part of the Pop House Hotel. The hotel, originally named Melody Hotel, opened in April 2013 and offers a seamless experience for visitors looking to immerse themselves in the world of ABBA. The hotel boasts 50 rooms, each with large floor-to-ceiling windows, and a range of amenities, including a restaurant. The rooftop level features three suites, a superior room, and a double room, providing luxurious accommodations for guests.
In conclusion, ABBA: The Museum is not just a tribute to the iconic band but a vibrant, interactive experience that allows fans to step into the world of ABBA. From its meticulously curated exhibits to its engaging interactive features, the museum offers something for everyone, whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer to ABBA's music. Located in the picturesque setting of Djurgården, Stockholm, a visit to ABBA: The Museum is an unforgettable journey through the legacy of one of pop music's most enduring acts.
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