Step into the Dance Museum a world-renowned treasure trove of dance history. Here amidst the bustling streets of Stockholm lies a captivating journey through time. The Dance Museum founded in 1953 isn’t just a museum it’s a living testament to the art of movement. It’s the world’s first museum dedicated solely to dance and movement.
Rolf de Maré a visionary art historian and dance enthusiast is the driving force behind this incredible institution. His extensive travels across the globe fuelled his passion. He amassed a unique collection of dance costumes instruments sculptures puppets and photographs. These artifacts showcase diverse dance cultures from Asia Africa and North America.
Imagine the vibrant colours of authentic dance suits. Envision the rhythmic beat of exotic instruments. Picture the expressive forms of intricate puppets. De Maré’s vision extended beyond mere artifacts. His museum also houses artworks by renowned artists like Fernand Léger Giorgio de Chirico and Francis Picabia. These pieces highlight the artistic collaborations of the Swedish Ballet in Paris a company de Maré himself directed during the 1920s. The ballet’s innovative spirit blurred the boundaries between dance theatre visual arts and photography a philosophy the museum upholds to this day.
The Dance Museum’s collection continues to grow. It now boasts one of the world’s finest collections of original costumes from the legendary Russian Ballet in Paris. Costumes from the Royal Opera and the Cullberg Ballet add to its splendour.
Bengt Häger a key figure in the museum’s development served as secretary of the Paris archives and later its director. Erik Näslun has led the museum since 1989. The museum’s operations are funded by the state and the Rolf de Maré memorial fund. Today the Dance Museum stands as a vibrant hub. It offers temporary exhibitions workshops performances and a delightful bistro. It even houses a Study Centre complete with a library video library and archives.
So come explore the Dance Museum. Discover the rich tapestry of dance history. Experience the universal language of movement that transcends time and culture. Let the rhythm of the Dance Museum move you.