Overview:

Drottningholm Theatre is Sweden's only surviving eighteenth-century court theatre and is widely regarded as the world's best-preserved theatre of its kind. Set in the grounds of the royal Drottningholm Palace, it beautifully recreates the 18th-century playhouse experience with live orchestra, period dressed actors and brightly painted scenery. The Drottningholm Palace is the permanent residence of the Swedish Royal family and the traditional home of the Swedish monarchy since Queen Kristina in 1604. The theatre was built in 1766 for Queen Lovisa Ulrika and designed by Carl Fredrik Adelcrantz with elegant wood carvings throughout the interior. It has been in continuous use since 1777, when Queen Sofia Magdalena established an amateur theatrical group, and remains as one of the finest surviving examples of European 18th-century Baroque theatre architecture. In 1991, the theatre was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Sweden
Prominent Features:

- The oldest theater in the world still in operation, the Drottningholm Theatre has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the park and palace complex of Drottningholm, near Stockholm. - The baroque-style theater originally opened in 1754 and is noted for its well-preserved stucco interior and 18th-century furnishings. - The theater orchestral pit was designed to provide optimum acoustics and incorporates a “reflecting machine” to expand the sound of the small number of musicians in the orchestra. - The theatre's 990 decorated box seats are arranged beneath a backdrop depicting the gods of Olympus ruling over humanity. - The proscenium arch is adorned with gold decoration, and the opera house also features an elaborate ceiling decoration in the style of a ship's interior. - The Drottningholm Theatre is currently home to the Royal Swedish Opera, and plays host to a variety of opera and musical performances. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Sweden.

History:

Drottningholm Palace Theatre was built in 1766 by the architect Carl Fredrik Adelcrantz for the royal court of Sweden. It is located at Drottningholm Palace, the home of the Swedish royalty since 1580. The theatre's stage machinery and many of its interior decorations remain intact from the 18th century, making it a perfect example of an 18th century theater. The theatre was designed for theatrical performances and the court. It has a linoleum stage, painted on the walls for settings, and Allegorical ceiling paintings. The theatre has served as a training base for many artists over the years as well as a stage for both court performances and professional theatre. The first performance in the theatre was recorded in 1766 and performances were regularly held until after the 19th century. Since 1922, the theatre has presented professional productions in the summer season and it is considered to be the genuine theatrical experience. The theatre is used exclusively as a playhouse in the summer months and is run by the Royal Swedish Opera. In 1991, the theatre was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list because of its unique and well-preserved 18th century features. This includes original stage machinery, first-class acoustics, and elaborate period theatre costumes and decorations. Today, the theatre hosts many different performances from ballets to modern theater and musicals. It also contains a museum displaying musical history and theater and opera memorabilia as well as other interesting artifacts from the 18th century. Visit one of the famous monuments of Sweden with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Drottningholm theatre is the oldest still used theatre in the world. It underwent extensive renovations in the 18th century and has its original 18th architecture. 2. It was constructed in 1766–1781 as the private theatre of the Royal Family of Sweden. 3. It is registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a well-preserved example of 18th century European theatre design and art. 4. The theatre has a unique ‘mechanical nicromar’ stage which incorporates wind-operated machinery to allow. The effects of thunder, lightning and other stage effects. 5. The Drottningholm Closed Palace is located nearby and it is described as the most well-preserved detached palace from the 1600s. 6. The Baroque Garden adjacent to the theatre was designed by Carl Hårleman and has spectacular terraces, parterres, fountains and sculptures. 7. The palace hosts the annual Summer theatre which is attended by members of the royal family. 8. The theatre is managed and used by the Royal Dramatic Theatre which has its main theatre in downtown Stockholm. One of the historical monuments of Sweden, it tells the story of a bygone era