In the new extension, a second stage will be established, which the Opera has not had before. The new stage primarily means that the children's and youth activities will be expanded, says Fredrik Lindgren, who also believes that it can lead to other formats such as short operas and chamber concerts in the hall, where 200 visitors can be accommodated.
Three Donors
Furthermore, three new ballet studios will be established – which Fredrik Lindgren thinks is necessary for "Sweden's only professional ballet company". The Court Orchestra will also continue to stay in the house, as well as the restaurant Operakällaren.
It has been a long journey and a complex issue. I am so glad that we have found a way forward together, with constructive discussions and a solution that I think will be great, says Fredrik Lindgren.
Other news is that the opera house will now be connected to Karl XII's Square and Kungsträdgården, which will make the building more accessible. There will also be a new entrance towards Jakobs Torg.
The larger extension would not have been possible without the three donors, Antonia Ax:son Johnson with family, Erling Persson's foundation, and Marcus and Amalia Wallenberg's memorial fund.
The government has been clear from day one that if you want to do something more offensive, you need private initiatives, so I have been sounding out and initiating a number of dialogues over the past year or two, says Fredrik Lindgren.
Opens in 2032
The budget has not been finalized yet, but the project planning assumes that the renovation will cost 3.5 billion kronor. Is it given that the Opera will get that much money in a very tight economic time for Cultural Sweden?
In this case, I think that the public clearly has a responsibility to take care of the cultural heritage that the building is, it is 251 years old. And this is necessary for us to continue having a national stage for all of Sweden for opera and ballet, says Parisa Liljestrand.
The Opera will close in two years and the evacuation period will be five years. The gasometer in Norra Djurgårdsstaden in Stockholm will become the temporary home stage, on the Gasometer stage.
In 2032, we hope to be able to return to the new opera house, says Fredrik Lindgren.
CORRECTED: In an earlier version, there was an incorrect statement that the Opera would close "in" two years. It will close "in two years."
An extension of approximately 2,300 square meters, towards Kungsträdgården, is being made.
A new entrance is being created from Jakobs Torg, leading up to a public foyer and a second stage, which primarily targets children and young people. The fact that the extension is being made is due to private donations of 300 million kronor.
Three new ballet studios and a new public terrace are being built above Café Opera.
The current opera house was completed in 1898. The building replaced Gustav III's opera on the same plot.
