Day Two of my Stockholm Adventure was an exhilarating celebration of music and dance.
On this day, I dove deeply into the vibrant world of ABBA, surrounded by their catchy melodies and infectious rhythms. With a heart full of excitement, I sang along to the classic hits I knew.
My goal was to lose myself in the music and genuinely embody the spirit of a Dancing Queen.
The ABBA Museum wasn’t the only attraction I visited on Day 2. However, the sheer joy I experienced at the museum was so top-notch that I had to devote an entire journal entry about my experience.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast filled with delightful flavors and aromas, I set off towards Stockholm Central. The morning air was crisp despite the cloudy skies. Upon reaching the central station, I eagerly boarded the #7 tram.
As I gazed out the window during the ride, I was entranced by the harmonious blend of stunning architecture and the lush greenery surrounding it. Adorned with intricate designs, towering buildings stood majestically alongside vibrant parks and serene waterways, creating a picturesque tapestry of urban elegance interwoven with nature’s beauty.
The tram stopped right in front of the ABBA Museum.
The museum is a paradise for ABBA fans, with interactive exhibits that allow you to sing and dance as if you were on stage with ABBA, and even record your own version of their songs at the famous Polar Studio.
The museum’s interactive features were a major draw for me, sparking my interest in visiting.
I like some ABBA songs, but I won’t call myself a fanatic. Despite not being a die-hard fan, I was determined to make the most of my visit, especially considering the $37 combo ticket price. I was confident that this experience would be worth every penny.
Knowing that the museum is a top attraction in Stockholm, I chose the 10 a.m. time slot, the first of the day. This decision ensured that I could fully immerse myself in the experience without the hustle and bustle of the crowds.
As the clock struck 10 a.m., the heavy double doors swung open, inviting me inside. A minor glitch with the QR code reader momentarily interrupted the flow, but it was swiftly resolved, allowing me to move forward.
With a sense of anticipation, I made my way to the cloakroom, where I carefully placed my coat, umbrella, and travel backpack on the neatly organized rack, feeling the weight of my belongings lifted as I prepared for the experience ahead.
As soon as I descended the staircase, I was transported into the vibrant world of ABBA, where the melodies and rhythms wrapped around me like a warm embrace.
The journey commenced as visitors were transported back to the Folkpark in 1966, a picturesque backdrop where the iconic duo Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson first crossed paths. This captivating exhibit showcased the early days of their meeting and delved into each member’s journey before the formation of ABBA.
Learning about their previous careers was fascinating. I hadn’t realized how much they had achieved before coming together to create the legendary group we know today.
Next on the journey was Brighton, England, the host city for the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest. This exciting event is remembered for ABBA’s stunning victory with their iconic song “Waterloo.” The exhibit captures the essence of that historic moment, featuring a miniature replica of the stage, alongside a captivating video of ABBA’s unforgettable performance.
The Polar Studio was up next, and what a sight. I was captivated by the sight of the iconic sound and mixing board, a remarkable piece of equipment that had once helped ABBA craft some of their legendary hits. It was incredible to touch the very tools that facilitated the creation of such timeless music.
Remixing a few songs in the studio was a blast, and I couldn’t help but have fun with it. As I experimented with different sounds, I could feel a surge of excitement, transforming the familiar tracks into something that was no doubt different, but certainly wouldn’t top the charts.
The mixing session was an exhilarating adventure, but auditioning to join ABBA as their ‘fifth’ member was out of this world! It was like stepping into a pop fairy tale; every moment felt like pure magic!
A shiver of anticipation ran down my spine as I crossed the threshold into the studio booth. The air was thick with tension, and every shadow seemed to hold secrets waiting to be uncovered.
What awaited me in this realm of creativity and uncertainty?🧑🏾🎤
Disaster, that’s what. Oh the horror!
My excitement quickly turned into embarrassment. Although I’d sung “Waterloo” many times, I still stumbled over the lyrics. Making the experience worse was the fact the lyrics were displayed on the video screen in front of me. Oh my goodness!
My audition was a ‘hot mess ‘! 🤣
Yes, there’s a video of this epic calamity.
No, you will absolutely never see it. This weapon of mass embarrassment will remain locked away in the most bottomless vault in the nether regions of the universe.
It’s a memory I’ll cherish but will never share with the world!
Despite my less-than-stellar performance, I was pleasantly surprised to be invited to design my costume and join the band for the Australian tour. Check it out!
With my heart pounding, I adjusted my costume one last time. The curtains loomed ahead. Taking a deep breath, I stepped through and onto the stage, the spotlight blazing down like the desert sun.
It was more than just a moment; it felt like a threshold. I had transformed from a mere visitor into the fifth member of ABBA, and the thrill of it both exhilarated and terrified me. The air crackled with an energy I couldn’t ignore, each note of anticipation hanging thick in the atmosphere.
As I took my first step forward, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something extraordinary was about to happen.
Would I rise to the occasion, or would the ghosts of the past pull me back into the shadows? Don’t know, but right now …
It’s showtime!
WOW!
That was exhilarating! My moment in the spotlight was nothing short of pure jubilation — what an electrifying thrill! The roar of the crowd sent shivers down my spine; the applause was a magical touch that made my heart race!
I might not become the permanent ‘fifth’ member, but those two minutes were magical.
Following my ‘one-time’ only performance, I spent the remainder of the visit learning more about each member’s post-ABBA career once they took their break in 1982.
This portion of the museum showcased each member’s solo endeavors, including Chess, The Musical featuring music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad’s Something’s Going On album.
Here, I gathered insights about their unique paths, exploring their various musical ventures, personal projects, and artistic achievements in the years that followed. Learning how each member navigated their post-ABBA careers was fascinating, revealing a rich tapestry of creativity and evolution that stemmed from their shared history.
Of course, the Mamma Mia! exhibit was a major draw for visitors, who eagerly gathered around its captivating displays.
The centerpiece was a meticulously crafted miniature replica of the iconic movie set, transporting guests straight to the sun-soaked Greek island featured in the film.
Among the highlights was a vintage Land Rover, a beloved vehicle from the movie, parked invitingly for photos. The exhibit also showcased the original script, its pages filled with vibrant dialogues and lyrics that fans cherished, while a detailed model of the set captured the essence of the whimsical, colorful world that brought the beloved story to life.
The journey ended with a walk through the magnificent display of ABBA’s costumes, awards and record certifications, leaving me in awe of their grandeur and impact on the music industry.
DAY 2 – PARTIAL CONCLUSION
The museum’s interactive exhibits were a total blast, offering a thrilling and engaging experience worth every penny of the $37. I was able to dive in and have a memorable experience, and I don’t regret a moment spent here.
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