ABBA The Museum marks 50 years of Dancing Queen with new exhibition

For 50 years, Dancing Queen has inspired people around the world to dance. On 11 October, ABBA The Museum in Stockholm will open a new exhibition telling the story of one of ABBA’s most beloved songs, from its creation in the studio and the iconic performance at the Royal Swedish Opera in 1976 to its continued appeal among new generations.

The exhibition brings visitors closer to a song that has grown from a pop hit into a shared cultural heritage. It brings together interviews, archive material, gold records, interactive elements and newly produced replicas of the stage costumes worn by ABBA at the Royal Swedish Opera ahead of the wedding of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia in 1976.

“Dancing Queen is a song that holds a personal meaning for so many people. It has accompanied them through parties, weddings and major moments in life, while continuing to be discovered by new generations. With this exhibition, we want to bring visitors closer to the story behind the song and show why it still feels so alive 50 years later,” says Hanna Kimblad Einarsson, Museum Director at ABBA The Museum.

From Boogaloo to Dancing Queen
The story begins in the studio. Before the song became Dancing Queen, it had the working title Boogaloo. The exhibition traces its journey from the first ideas and recording sessions to the finished song that would become one of ABBA’s greatest international successes.

Two months before the single was released, ABBA performed the song at the Royal Swedish Opera during a gala held ahead of the royal wedding in 1976. For the new exhibition, the costumes worn that evening have been recreated based on the originals. The original garments came from the Royal Swedish Opera’s costume collection and have not been preserved.

A song that lives on
The story of Dancing Queen did not end in 1976. Over five decades, the song has continued to appear in new contexts, inspire new interpretations and become part of people’s own stories.

“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.

The exhibition opens at ABBA The Museum in Stockholm on 11 October 2026.

Press contact
For interviews and further information, please contact: Ronja Nyström, Holy Comms | 076 77 42 141 | press@holycomms.se |

Press contact ABBA The Museum
Jasmin Rastegar | Head of Marketing & Media, Pophouse Exhibitions & ABBA The Museum | jasmin.rastegar@pophouse.se | press@abbathemuseum.com |