Ever wondered where Swedish opera and ballet truly live? It’s right here at the Royal Swedish Opera. This isn’t just a building. It’s a living stage for Sweden’s cultural soul.
Founded by King Gustav III in 1773 the Royal Swedish Opera has a history as dramatic as any opera it stages. The first performance took place on January 18, 1773. It marked the beginning of opera in the Swedish language.
King Gustav III wanted a Swedish ensemble. He dismissed the French opera troupe that had performed for twenty years in the Bollhuset. The Swedish troupe continued to play in Bollhuset. A new opera house was needed.
Carl Fredrik Adelcrantz designed the new Royal Theater House. It opened on September 30, 1782. The opera Cora and Alonzo was performed. Both the opera and the new opera house received a standing ovation.
Imagine this: the Royal Swedish Opera was once considered one of Stockholm’s most beautiful buildings. The auditorium held 948 spectators. Blue, white, and gold adorned the space. Unlike modern opera houses, the royal box held the best view. King Gustav III paid for the Opera’s operations with his own funds. He had a great interest in opera, dance and theater.
But tragedy struck within its walls. On March 16, 1792, King Gustav III was shot at a masquerade ball. He died thirteen days later. This event inspired Verdi’s opera Un ballo in maschera. The opera house remained for another hundred years after the king’s death. In 1892, it was decided to demolish the building. It was worn, outdated, and a fire risk.
Axel Johan Anderberg designed the new Royal Swedish Opera. King Oscar II inaugurated it on September 19, 1898. The exterior was built in the Neo-Renaissance style. The stairwell, foyer, and auditorium received a neo-Baroque design. Marble from Norway symbolized the union with that country. The Golden Foyer is reminiscent of the Opera Garnier in Paris. Carl Larsson created the ceiling paintings.
Take a moment to admire the Golden Foyer. It has gold stucco, crystal chandeliers, and large mirrors. Florentine gold brocade covers the curtains.
Look up at the ceiling. You can see a large ceiling painting by Vicke Andrén. One of the angels carries a drawing of the opera house itself.
After almost 100 years, the Opera underwent a major renovation in 1989. They washed, painted, re-gilded, and repaired all the public spaces.
The Royal Swedish Opera has changed its name twelve times. Initially called “Kongl Operan,” it became “Kungliga Teatern” at the beginning of the 20th century. Since 1997, the official name is the Royal Swedish Opera.
The Royal Swedish Opera toured Sweden in the 1920s. Since 1959, the tours have extended outside the country.
Today, the Royal Swedish Opera continues to be a cornerstone of Sweden’s cultural life. It preserves the country’s operatic and ballet traditions. The Royal Swedish Orchestra is one of Europe’s oldest orchestras. It traces its origins back to 1526. The Royal Swedish Opera remains a vibrant symbol of Swedish artistry.