Words: Elliot Rose
If there were to be seven gay wonders of the world, the ABBA museum in Stockholm would be one of them. There are very few places in Europe, or the world, that offer their visitors such a concentration of camp in one location. On the picturesque island of Djurgarten in Stockholm, this is an all-singing-all-dancing cultural landmark and a must-visit in the Swedish capital. It’s entertainment meets pop music education that will make you yearn for a time machine that goes express to 1976. Gimme, gimme, gimme!
Firstly, we see where the magic started. In depth family histories of Agneta, Benny, Bjorn and Anna-Frid provide weighty, historical background before the real high-camp fun begins. See perfect replicas of 70's-alicious rooms of prime Abba importance. Their recording studio, dressing room, costumery and peaceful Stockholm retreat are recreated in all their glory. Moments in ABBA history, such as their win at Eurovision in Brighton in 1974, are chronicled with esteem usually reserved for religious relics. ABBA is nearly a religion after all.
The best part however is the museum’s interactive elements. For a subject matter planted so firmly in the past, ABBA: The Museum is thoroughly digital-age. Try your hand at being the fifth member of Abba and record yourself singing one of their greatest hits, put your money (money, money) where your mouth is and prove that you’re the dancing queen with an interactive dance mirror, or get up on stage with your friends to pretend to be the Fab Four in your own music video. Scan your interactive ticket to record all your talents to view online later.
All in all, whether you’re an ABBA super-trouper or not, this is a Stockholm must see.
