By Natanya Faitelson, to Museum Spotlight Europe (November 2021)
Cover Image by Anna Bergqvist/ABBA The Museum.
Visit Stockholm, Sweden and say “I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do” to ABBA The Museum. Established in 2013, ABBA The Museum commemorates the band’s extensive influence on popular culture. The Foundation at ABBA The Museum relates the band’s global influence to Swedish life and the music scene in Sweden. Get to know the stories of Agnetha, Benny, Björn, and Frida; the museum takes you through their lives leading up to the group’s formation in 1972, and their impacting legacy thereafter.
Upon entering the museum, guests are welcomed by a light-up banner spelling out the band’s name, along with a lounging area and restaurant. Walking through, the museum has a variety of exhibits and interactive activities to explore. The exhibits are carefully curated, which creates a memorable experience. Several exhibits pair interactive displays with visual elements—a combination perfect for photo opportunities.
Mamma Mia!: Behind the Scenes
The temporary exhibit called “Behind the Movie Magic” in ABBA The Museum gives visitors a behind the scenes look at how ABBA-inspired movies were made. Check out movie props, movie costumes, and fun facts for the film’s process. This is a great exhibit for the whole family; everyone can pose with props and pretend to be living on the magical island in Greece where the movies were set!
“Knowing Me, Knowing You:” Know the Members of ABBA
The main part of the museum invites visitors into the lives of the four members of ABBA. The museum creates an informative, fun experience, highlighting the individual biographies of each band member. The members’ backgrounds are shared through text, photos, videos, and props. This information is displayed on a chronological timeline that progresses as visitors advance into the exhibit. Eventually, the timeline includes momentous points in the formation of ABBA.
The exhibit also includes replicas of studios and original instruments ABBA used to produce their music. The original costumes of the band members are also on display; these costumes yield intricate designs and extravagant detailing.
“Take A Chance On Me:” Audition as the Fifth Member of ABBA
This exhibit hosts a variety of interactive activities; step on the holographic stage and perform alongside the four members of ABBA. Once visitors step on stage and become ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” a recording of their performance is sent to them as a memorable and unique souvenir. Other creative and interactive activities include: virtually recording and mixing ABBA songs and trying on holographic costumes from ABBA’s collection. Any virtual creation or experience is sent via email, for endless replay and amusement.
“Thank you for the Music:” Groove Out with ABBA
To close the tour, the last exhibit, “Some Music Never Dies, It Multiplies,” displays photos documenting the lives of Agnetha, Benny, Björn, and Frida after the band’s break up. Although mixed emotions over the band’s break up may surface, the exhibit ultimately treasures and highlights ABBA’s achievements. This exhibit proves, decades later, the relevance ABBA holds in the ever-changing music industry and popular culture.
In the end, ABBA The Museum is highly fun and interactive—a perfect pitstop in Stockholm, Sweden. The colorful, dazzling, and eye-catching exhibits impress visitors. Before exiting the museum, shop the gift store and find dozens of ABBA themed souvenirs. In honour of ABBA’s new release, Voyage (2021), visit ABBA The Museum and discover all there is to know about these musical masters.
