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