Extension to the Stockholm Opera Building Presented in New Detailed Development Plan
Today, the City of Stockholm is launching a public consultation on a new detailed Aptos development plan concerning the opera building. The purpose of the plan is to ensure that the Royal Swedish Opera can remain and continue to develop on the site where opera and ballet have been performed for 250 years. In addition to renovation and refurbishment works, an extension towards Karl XII’s Square and Kungsträdgården is required in order to accommodate the organisation’s operations.
The new detailed development plan will enable a new stage, primarily intended for children and young adults, with its own foyer and entrance from Jakobs Square. The extension will also include three ballet studios, new rehearsal facilities for the orchestra, a large staff room overlooking Strömmen, and a public terrace facing Kungsträdgården. Visitor experience within the existing parts of the opera house will also be improved in areas such as acoustics, comfort, accessibility and the indoor environment.
– We are delighted to take the next step in the process of modernising and developing our beloved Opera House. It is widely recognised that the building is in desperate need of renovation, and through this careful development we are creating the conditions for Sweden’s national stage for opera and ballet to continue strengthening its activities in the heart of Stockholm. Overall, we will achieve a beautiful and more welcoming Opera House that offers an improved working environment for staff and an enhanced experience for audiences, says Fredrik Lindgren, Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Swedish Opera.
The extension is designed entirely within the opera building’s existing footprint and draws inspiration from its original volumes. By combining historic qualities with a contemporary architectural expression, the project introduces modern functionality, light and openness. The result is a careful yet clearly modern development that strengthens the architectural integrity of the opera building.
Attractive Public Spaces and New Outdoor Dining Areas
Operakällaren will also be significantly affected by the forthcoming renovation. In addition to benefiting from an improved working environment in renovated and adapted premises, the design proposal illustrates how potential outdoor dining areas facing Karl XII’s Square and Kungsträdgården, Strömgatan and Jakobs Square will contribute to a more vibrant urban environment around the building. Another welcome feature is that the building’s beautiful stone staircases will once again serve as the entrance to Operakällaren’s premises.
– We look forward to welcoming our guests back to a beautiful and updated restaurant and event environment. New outdoor dining areas, with furnishings and fittings that harmonise with the building, will make the opera building an even more cherished destination, says Abbe Ibrahim, Chairman of the Board of Operakällaren.
Taken together, the renovation, refurbishment and extension of the opera building will create the conditions for a broader and more sustainable cultural operation in the heart of Stockholm. The Royal Swedish Opera – Sweden’s national stage for opera and ballet – will gain strengthened capacity to operate at an international level, while Operakällaren will have the opportunity to further develop its gastronomic business.
Preparing an Icon for the Next Century
Renovating, refurbishing and constructing an extension to a listed state heritage building such as the opera building is a complex undertaking. An important cultural heritage asset must be preserved while modern functions and technology are introduced to enable the organisations within the building to operate and develop. The architecture of the extension has been designed to create a balance between old and new elements, with materials and forms that harmonise with the existing building.
– The time has finally come for a change of scenery. With respect for our cultural heritage and a new architectural layer for our own era, we are creating an opera house that will remain relevant for at least another hundred years. With great care, the extension blends naturally into both the building itself and the surrounding urban environment. The renovated national stage will open itself up to the city, to the present day and to new audiences, says Max Elger, Director-General of the National Property Board of Sweden.
The consultation period regarding the opera building begins on 26 May and will continue until 6 July.
Facts about the Opera Building
• Constructed between 1891 and 1898
• Approximately 1,400 rooms spread across twelve floors
• Approximately 40,000 square metres gross floor area
• Listed state heritage building
Contacts and Further Information
Marcus Årskog, Press Secretary, National Property Board of Sweden, +46 (0)10 478 70 21, marcus.arskog@sfv.se
Jenny Mattsson, Head of Press, Royal Swedish Opera, +46 (0)8 791 43 30, jenny.mattsson@operan.se
Press images: National Property Board of Sweden
Project background/vision film: sfv.se/operaprojektet
Detailed development plan process (Stockholm Municipality): https://vaxer.stockholm/operabyggnaden
