Attraction
Vasa Museum
Purpose-built museum on Djurgården housing the Vasa, a 64-gun warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was raised 333 years later.
ABBA The Museum
Interactive museum on Djurgården, opened in 2013, telling ABBA's story through costumes, studio recreations and the chance to sing on stage with the band.
At a glance
- Type
- Music museum
- Area
- Djurgården, Stockholm, Sweden
- Official site
- abbathemuseum.com
Good to know
- Interactive exhibits
- Karaoke
- Swedish Music Hall of Fame
- Guided tour packages
Why we recommend it
ABBA The Museum opened on Djurgården in May 2013 and has become one of Stockholm's most popular attractions. It tells the story of the band that won the Eurovision Song Contest with Waterloo in 1974 and went on to sell records around the world, and it does so with a strong emphasis on taking part rather than simply looking. The building, between Liljevalchs art gallery and the Gröna Lund amusement park, also houses the Swedish Music Hall of Fame, which covers a much broader story of Swedish popular music.
The exhibition moves through the band's history in a series of themed rooms. A Waterloo section recreates the Brighton setting of the 1974 Eurovision final, with many items from the event, and there are recreations of Polar Studios, where ABBA recorded much of their later work, and of the Swedish folk park where the members first met. Stage costumes, gold records from many countries and a backstage area add detail for fans. Benny's Piano plays by itself, linked to the piano in his home, and a red telephone known as Ring Ring has a number that only the four band members know.
The interactive elements are what most visitors remember. You can step onto a stage and perform as the fifth member of ABBA alongside the band, test yourself in an ABBA quiz and sing karaoke in a room designed to feel like the recording studio. Films are shown continuously throughout the day, so there is no set time to arrive for them, and a package combines admission with a guided tour.
The museum suits fans of every age, groups of friends and families with children who enjoy performing. Allow around one and a half to two hours, longer if you plan to sing. In autumn the museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, but hours change through the year, so check the website and buy tickets online in advance, especially at weekends and during school holidays. Weekday mornings are usually the calmest time to visit.
The museum is on Djurgårdsvägen, the main road through the western part of Djurgården, served by tram line 7 from the city centre. The Vasa Museum, Skansen and Gröna Lund are all within a few minutes' walk, so it fits easily into a day on the island.
ABBA The Museum FAQs
When did ABBA The Museum open?
It opened on Djurgården in May 2013.
What is there to do at ABBA The Museum?
You can perform on stage as the fifth member of ABBA, sing karaoke, take the ABBA quiz and see costumes and studio recreations.
What are the opening hours?
Between 1 September and 23 December it is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00; hours change at other times of year, so check the website.
Do I need to book?
Buying tickets online in advance is sensible, especially at weekends and in school holidays.
Is there a guided tour?
Yes. A package combines museum admission with a guided tour.
What else is in the building?
The Swedish Music Hall of Fame and a hotel share the building with the museum.
How do I get there?
The museum is on Djurgårdsvägen on Djurgården, served by tram line 7 from the city centre.
How long should I allow?
Around one and a half to two hours, longer if you want to try every interactive exhibit.