NEWS January 31, 2025
Renovating the Royal Swedish Opera
Going forward we will be working on the renovation of listed Royal Swedish Opera dating back to1898. The ancient National Stage for opera and ballet will have modernized, functional premises and all artistic activities will stay together within the same building.
The Royal Swedish Opera and the National Property Board of Sweden (SFV) have presented a historic joint renovation plan for the Opera House.
“Finally we have a strong and well-anchored plan for how the Royal Swedish Opera House will be renovated and developed. It is with great pride and joy that I note that we have found solutions that create good conditions for the long-term sustainable development of our business as the National Stage for opera and ballet in Sweden,” says Fredrik Lindgren, CEO of the Royal Swedish Opera.
The renovation plan includes an extension of approximately 2,300 square metres towards the park Kungsträdgården to enable the Opera House to meet future needs. Among other things, it enables a new entrance from Jakobs Torg that leads up to an audience foyer and a spacious second stage, which will primarily be filled with performances aimed at children and young people. In addition, three new functional ballet rehearsal rooms and a new terrace for the audience will be built on top of Café Opera with a view of Kungsträdgården. This gives the Royal Swedish Opera a natural and attractive location in the middle of one of Stockholm's most popular areas.
The proposal fulfils the Royal Swedish Opera's wishes to keep the artistic collective (musicians, dancers and singers) together under the same roof. In addition to improving the working environment and improving the building's logistics, the audience will also notice improved acoustics in the auditorium as well as increased accessibility and convenience in the public areas.
“We have now set out the path that we believe will be the absolute best to ensure both that the Opera will remain part og our cultural life, but also an important part of our cultural heritage. Both for us but perhaps above all for future generations”, says Minister of Culture, Parisa Liljestrand
Facts about the opera building
⋅ Built 1891-1898
⋅ Approximately 40,000 square meters
⋅ Approximately 1,400 rooms spread over twelve floors
⋅ National Monument
The extension is ensured through private donations made by the Royal Swedish Opera. The donations enable both construction and artistic design, interior design and equipment in the extension.
The renovation plan includes an extension of approximately 2,300 m2 towards the park Kungsträdgården to enable the Opera House to meet future needs.
