Drottningholm Palace Theatre

Drottningholm Palace Theatre

Drottningholm Palace Theatre was built in 1766 for Queen Lovisa Ulrika, and is one of the best preserved theatres from this time in the world.

The architect Carl Fredrik Adelcrantz (1716-1796) designed the theatre for Queen Lovisa Ulrika after a previous theatre building at the palace burned down.

An early heyday

Drottningholm Palace Theatre’s heyday began in 1777, when King Gustav III took over the palace. The big opera premières were often performed here, where a French theatre troupe and Sweden's Royal Dramatic Theatre performed.

After the death of King Gustav III, the theatre was gradually wound down and the building came to be used as warehouse. It was restored to its original condition under the direction of Agne Beijers in 1922.

Unique 18th century machinery

Drottningholm Palace Theatre conceals a playful interior. The salon has painted marbling, papier mâché consoles and plaster columns. To this day, the stage's wooden machinery is still operated by hand. The machinery involves capstans, rollers, drums, blocks, ropes and counterweights. Around thirty sets have been preserved – a theatrical world for an 18th century repertoire.

A living historic setting

Every summer, a number of operas, plays and dance performances are staged, together with concerts, tours and events, all with an 18th century character.

Drottningholm Palace Theatre is part of the World Heritage Site of Drottningholm, Sweden's first cultural object to be added to the list of locations of indispensable cultural value to humanity.

The theatre building is located at Drottningholm Palace, and guided tours are available all year round. See Drottningholm Palace Theatre's website for details of dates and times www.dtm.se. External link, opens in new window.

Photo: Royalpalaces.se

The Palace Theatre draws opera and drama lovers from all over the world. Photo: Håkan Lind/Royalpalaces.se

Scholarship award in the Dining Salon. Each year, the Friends of Drottningholm Theatre present educational scholarships. The King is the association's patron, and The Queen is the Honorary Chair. Photo: Charles Hammarsten

Events

Vasa to Bernadotte 11 Mar – 7 Jan 2024

The major jubilee exhibition Vasa to Bernadotte, 1523 –1973 –2023. Culture in Service of the Realm will showcase unique objects, takin...

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50 years for Sweden 6 Jun – 24 Sep

The exhibition 'King Carl XVI Gustaf – 50 years for Sweden' is on display on Slottsbacken outside the Royal Palace. Official portraits ar...

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Jubilee comic songs in Swedish, about royal personalities from the time of King Gustav Vasa's ascension to the throne in 1523 to the pres...

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