We are building a model of Drottningholm Court Theatre’s stage machinery from 1766!

An extraordinary project is about to begin: the construction of a scale model of Drottningholm Court Theatre’s historic stage machinery. This model will allow us to showcase a unique cultural heritage and give more people the chance to explore how an entire stage set could be changed in just a few seconds.

For more than thirty years, theatre technicians Ulf Hedberg and Sven Ahl have worked on developing this model. Their efforts have made it possible to demonstrate how ropes, trapdoors and scenery created theatrical magic in the 18th century. The Drottningholm Court Theatre Foundation is now taking over the work of completing and caring for the model, so that it can become an inspiring and educational part of the theatre’s future.

The machinery is a brilliant construction that is still in use during performances today. Everything is operated by hand – no electricity, just skill and strength. Wind machines and wave machines create illusions of storms and seas, and a complete stage set can be changed in five seconds.

Please keep checking back – the work is constantly evolving.