Theatre of Enlightenment Drottningholm Court Theatre is a unique 18th century theatre in Europe. The oldest theatre in the world to regularly use the original stage machinery, it also has a surprisingly playful interior. Today, it offers new productions of 17th and 18th century operas and attracts audiences from around the world. This summer sees Monteverdi’s masterpiece The Coronation of Poppea, celebrations of not one but two queens, and much more. By Malin Norman
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Photos: Drottningholm Court Theatre
Built in 1766 at the request of Queen Lovisa Ulrika, Drottningholm Court Theatre is one of the world’s best-preserved 18th century theatres and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. “The theatre is internationally unique in that its original 18th century stage machinery is still regularly used,” explains Anna Karinsdotter, artistic and managing director. Playful sleeping beauty, awakened Under the reign of King Gustaf III, the son of Queen Lovisa Ulrika, the cultural 28
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Issue 188
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March 2026
Anna Karinsdotter, artistic and managing director at Drottningholm Court Theatre. Photo: Markus Gårder
Photo: Louise Berg
life in Sweden flourished. Upon his death in 1792, the theatre closed. Literary historian Agne Beijer discovered a sleeping beauty when he opened its doors in 1921. “The theatre had been untouched since the end of the 18th century,” confirms Karinsdotter. “After replacing the ropes and installing electricity, the magnificent theatre was reopened.” Located on Lovön just outside Stockholm, the theatre is constructed of simple materials and playfully decorated using paint, stucco, and papier mâché. The wooden stage machinery is operated by hand, including wind, thunder and cloud machines, as well as trapdoors and moving waves. “The theatre is one of illusions, built to trick the eye,” smiles Karinsdotter. “They loved special effects back then. It’s very cleverly done, like a magic box.”