Among Top Things To Do In Stockholm? Reliving Music, Memories & Magic At ABBA The Museum (2024)

Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, gracefully merges rich history with modernity. Medieval buildings like the Royal Palace of Stockholm stand alongside contemporary architecture and serene waterways. This picturesque setting offers a multitude of things to do in Stockholm. In this vibrant atmosphere, I embarked on a nostalgic journey to ABBA The Museum to relive the magic of one of the greatest pop groups the world has ever seen.

“Raktkör!” (Forward march!), yells the commander. The guards, impeccably dressed in their resplendent blue uniforms and gleaming helmets, move with precision and grace at the Royal Palace of Stockholm. Their movements are sharp and deliberate, each step measured with a military-like exactness. This daily spectacle, the Changing of the Guard ceremony, unfolds against the backdrop of the palace’s Baroque architecture and towering spires, the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden. Here, in Gamla Stan (old town), I can still feel the throbbing heartbeat of Stockholm as it would have been in the Middle Ages, a feeling further enhanced by the proximity to the Royal Palace of Stockholm.

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Gamla Stan: Cobblestones of charm

We disconnect the GPS and happily lose ourselves in the warren of the cobblestone streets. Ochre and terracotta buildings lean along narrow alleyways clogged with buskers and strollers. Uneven cobblestones, worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, echo the passage of time. Wavy glass panes flaunt their imperfection, and formidable wooden doors guard precious treasures. Is that an illusion, or is the fantastical silhouette of gables, turrets, and chimneys on rooftops jiggling with delight? I can’t stop clicking pictures of long shadows in narrow alleys.

Shop shelves overflow with Thor’s hammer pendants, rune-inscribed accessories and bottles of lingonberry jam. We pick up a small Dala Horse figurine, hand-carved and painted in red and white… a beloved symbol of Swedish tradition and craftsmanship to take back home. Settling into a restaurant at the sunny Stortorget square, we eye the row of tall pastel-coloured townhouses in front. It is hard to believe that the ferocious “Stockholm Bloodbath” happened here. From a 14th-century hub of iron and copper trading to one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centres, Stockholm has always been buzzing with activity. There’s a sweet aroma of cinnamon buns in the air. It’s time for Fika.

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Djurgården: Oasis of green

As we approach Djurgården, urban hustle gives way to tranquillity. We cross one of the 57 bridges that connect the 14 islands of Sweden’s water-framed archipelago. I can see why locals love this oak-shaded green oasis that used to be a royal hunting park. Kayaks glide past docked sailboats in the glittering expanse of blue, couples pedal past on bicycles, and children scream on the rollercoasters at Gröna Lund, Stockholm’s 19th-century amusem*nt park. An ensemble of city museums is scattered around, including the Vasa Museum housing the famous 17th-century warship. But we are headed to the ABBA Museum to celebrate the iconic Swedish pop group who changed music history forever.

The ABBA Museum: Nostalgia unfurls

A quick double-check confirms that we’re at the right spot. It’s a modern building with clean lines, glass panels, and metal accents. There is no sign of the quintessential ABBA flamboyance until we step inside. The space resounds with the familiar strains of the “Dancing Queen” soundtrack. From posters of iconic album covers to museum staff dressed in retro-chic outfits and flashy, the stage is set for nostalgia. I can feel a spring in my step already.

Walls of every room showcase memorabilia from the band’s illustrious career, including gold records, concert posters, photographs and personal artefacts. I pore over the details in the exhibits that describe the early lives of Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad long before they became global icons. A recreation of ABBA’s iconic summer house on the island of Viggsö is filled with handwritten lyrics, personal photos, and musical instruments. In my mind’s eye, I can visualise the struggles and serendipity that brought them together. It is fascinating to think of the 1970s when ABBA’s catchy melodies and polished production mirrored the country’s reputation for high-quality design, modernity and innovation. ABBA and Sweden…a match made in heaven, meant to last for eternity.

The replica of the legendary Polar Studios, where ABBA recorded many of their hits, is filled with visitors. Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, Generation Z, and Generation Alpha all unite as one, swaying to “Mamma Mia” tunes and “The Winner Takes It All”. I feel a curious bond with all these strangers. That’s the magic of ABBA, transcending generations and borders and touching lives worldwide over time.

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In the following gallery, a self-playing piano connected to Benny Andersson’s instrument bursts into a spontaneous rendition of “Take a Chance on Me”. Seems like Benny has returned to conjure melodies out of thin air. In another section, teens cheer their grandmother, who has stepped onto the stage to perform alongside holograms of ABBA, her dance moves perfectly in line with the band’s. I can’t resist the temptation to sing “Super Trouper” and clap as I imagine the adrenaline rush of performing in front of a roaring crowd.

In another hall, I gawk at life-sized mannequins sporting sequinned jumpsuits, flowing capes, and sky-high boots. What a meteoric rise to fame, from winning the Eurovision Song Contest to topping charts worldwide and capturing the hearts of millions. There’s a surge of energy in my veins. Or is it a dose of inspiration from the tale of glitz and glamour, trials and tribulations of four friends bound by the passion for rhythm?

I pick up a vintage poster from the museum’s gift shop before we walk away, humming, “Thank you for the music”. ABBA’s songs are more than just tunes; they are timeless memories dancing in our hearts’ corridors.

Visiting ABBA The Museum: Essential information

ABBA The Museum opened in May 2013 as a tribute to the iconic Swedish pop group. It showcases memorabilia, exhibits, and multimedia displays that chronicle the band’s rise to international stardom and its lasting impact on music. ABBA The Museum offers a range of interactive exhibits, including singing karaoke with ABBA, trying on virtual stage costumes, and mixing your own ABBA music tracks. The museum also features a comprehensive collection of original costumes, instruments, and personal belongings of the band members.

Location and how to reach

Located on Djurgården Island in Stockholm, Sweden, ABBA The Museum is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take tram number 7 or bus number 67 to the “Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund” stop or enjoy a scenic ferry ride from Slussen or Nybroviken.

Ticket price, entry and timings

Tickets for ABBA The Museum cost around SEK 250 (RM 112) for adults, with discounts available for children, students, and seniors. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm on all days, though hours may vary seasonally and during holidays. Visiting during weekdays and early mornings can help avoid the crowds at ABBA The Museum.

Tickets should be purchased online in advance to avoid the queues. The museum is accessible to wheelchair users and offers audio guides in multiple languages for an enriched experience.

Things to do at ABBA The Museum

At ABBA The Museum, visitors can explore interactive exhibits, including singing karaoke with ABBA, trying on virtual stage costumes, and mixing their own ABBA music tracks. The museum also features a comprehensive collection of original costumes, instruments, and personal belongings of the band members.

Hotels near ABBA The Museum

Nearby hotels include the elegant Hotel Hasselbacken and the contemporary Pop House Hotel, which are directly connected to the museum.

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Nearby attractions

Visitors can explore other popular attractions on Djurgården Island, such as the Vasa Museum, Gröna Lund amusem*nt park, and Skansen open-air museum.

Best restaurants near ABBA The Museum

For a delightful dining experience, nearby options include the sophisticated Oaxen Slip, offering Nordic cuisine, and the cosy café Blå Porten, known for its traditional Swedish dishes and pastries. The museum’s Visitors Bistro is a convenient quick meal or drink choice.

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(Feature Image Credit: Jeppe Gustafsson/Shutterstock)

All currency conversions were done at the time of writing.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

-How much time is required to explore ABBA The Museum?
Visitors typically spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring ABBA The Museum to fully enjoy its exhibits and interactive features.

-What are the best souvenirs at ABBA The Museum?
Popular souvenirs at ABBA The Museum include replica costumes, vinyl records, and exclusive ABBA-themed merchandise such as mugs, T-shirts, and posters.

-Is photography allowed inside ABBA The Museum?
Yes, photography is allowed inside ABBA The Museum, but the use of flash is prohibited.

-Are there any guided tours available at ABBA The Museum?
ABBA The Museum offers guided tours that provide in-depth insights into the band’s history and the exhibits on display.

-Are there any interactive experiences at ABBA The Museum?
ABBA The Museum features several interactive experiences, including karaoke sessions with ABBA songs, virtual stage performances, and music mixing stations.

-Is Royal Palace Stockholm worth visiting?
Yes, the Royal Palace in Stockholm is considered worth visiting for several reasons, including its historical significance as one of the largest palaces in Europe dating back to the 18th century, that served as the official residence of the Swedish royal family. The palace is also renowned for its architectural beauty, built in the Italian Baroque style. The daily Changing of the Guard ceremony is a popular tourist attraction, and the palace complex houses several museums, including the Royal Apartments Museum, the Treasury, and Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities.

-Who lives in the Royal Palace in Stockholm?
The Royal Palace in Stockholm is the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf. However, the private apartments of the royal family are not open to the public.

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