"You can dance, you can jive..." Chances are you know the next line, even if you weren’t around when ABBA released “Dancing Queen” in 1976. Fifty years on, the iconic song is getting an exhibition of its own. Opening October 11 at ABBA The Museum in Stockholm, the exhibition explores the story behind a global hit that continues to fill dance floors across generations.
ABBA’s iconic hit “Dancing Queen” turns 50. Photo: Ola Lager Rockshot, ABBA The Museum (Download)
A new temporary exhibition at ABBA The Museum in Stockholm traces the story of “Dancing Queen,” from its creation to its lasting impact on pop culture. Through archival material and interactive experiences, the exhibition offers a closer look at one of ABBA’s best-known songs.
“A museum is not only about looking back. We also want to show what happens when music continues to live on and takes on new meanings over time. Dancing Queen is a wonderful example of exactly that,” says Hanna Kimblad Einarsson, Director of ABBA The Museum.
The exhibition brings together interviews, archival material, gold records and interactive installations that trace the story of one of pop music's most enduring hits. Among the highlights are recreated stage costumes from ABBA's legendary 1976 performance at Stockholm's Royal Swedish Opera. It was there that the group performed “Dancing Queen” at a gala celebrating the wedding of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Silvia Sommerlath. Few songs could claim a more royal debut. While the original costumes have not survived, they have been meticulously recreated for the exhibition using historical photographs and references.
ABBA are as much a part of Sweden as fika and red wooden cottages. It is only fitting, then, that the band has its own address in Stockholm. Located on the island of Djurgården, ABBA The Museum brings the group's story to life through original memorabilia and interactive exhibits. Visitors can step into the spotlight themselves, taking to the stage as the unofficial fifth member alongside Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Frida.
For those who still haven't had enough ABBA, the celebrations continue just across the way at Gröna Lund, where Mamma Mia! The Party combines dining, live entertainment and plenty of the band's greatest hits in an immersive musical experience.
Following in ABBA’s Footsteps Around Stockholm
- Hotel Rival: The boutique hotel overlooking Mariatorget on Södermalm is owned by Benny Andersson, making it a must for ABBA fans.
- Gröna Lund: On 30 June 1975, ABBA performed on the main stage of Stockholm’s famous amusement park to a record-breaking crowd. Concerts continue to draw visitors here today.
- Skeppsholmen: One of ABBA’s most iconic photographs was taken here in 1974 in front of the historic tall ship “af Chapman”. Photographer Wolfgang “Bubi” Heilemann captured Björn and Benny lifting Agnetha and Frida into the air. The ship and its picturesque setting remain unchanged, should you wish to recreate the famous shot.
- Mono Music: Just a short stroll away on Södra Brobänken is Mono Music, Benny Andersson’s music company. While the building itself is fairly understated, it remains something of a pilgrimage site for dedicated ABBA fans.
- Polar Studios: The legendary Polar Studios were located at Sankt Eriksgatan 58-60 on Kungsholmen from 1978 onwards. It was here that ABBA recorded their final three studio albums: Voulez-Vous, Super Trouper and The Visitors. Although the studios closed in 2004, the building still stands as a landmark in Swedish pop music history.
Sweden’s remarkable musical success story is far from over. Opening in Västervik in July 2027, the new Swedish National Music Museum will explore how a country of just over ten million people became one of the world’s most prolific exporters of pop music. More information: Sweden to open first National Music Museum in Västervik, summer 2027
More information and inspiration:
- ABBA The Museum – Visit Sweden
- ABBA The Museum – Official website
- Explore Stockholm – Visit Sweden
Press images:
- ABBA The Museum – Press images
- Sweden – Image Bank Sweden