An interview with Ewa Wigenheim-Westman, co-founder of Stockholm's ABBA Museum
In 2006, husband and wife team Ewa and Ulf Wigenheim-Westman hit upon the idea of establishing a museum in their native Stockholm to celebrate the works of the iconic Swedish pop group, ABBA. Two years on, with the building almost completed and tickets for next June’s opening week now on sale, Ewa tells us more about the band and the attraction’s creation.
Have you always been fans of the band and what was it that drew you to them?
Ulf and I have worked in the music industry for many years, me as a singer and Ulf as a composer and producer and it is by far our biggest interest. From when we first started working in the music business, ABBA was not only a national obsession but a part of Swedish history. Everyone had their favourite member – singing away in front of the mirror, I always saw myself as Agnetha. People could – and can – always relate to them.
What do you think it is about the band that still appeals to people both in the UK and in Sweden?
The band always strove to produce the highest quality in their music – “nothing must be left to chance” was their mottoe and everything was rehearsed and polished until it was perfect. In addition to this, the vocalists, Agnetha and Anni-Frid, both had amazing voices and a ‘star-quality’ that gave the band its image.
Where did you get your original inspiration for the museum and who was behind the original vision for the museum’s design?
The idea for the Museum came to us after a visit to The Beatles Story in Liverpool over two years ago. We saw how important the band was to the city and thought that Stockholm should be given the chance to celebrate its own famous sons and daughters.
Once we had decided to go through with the project,Ulf and I worked endlessly on design after design until we had produced something we knew would work. Throughout the project, Ulf and I have retained complete creative control. We knew what we wanted from the outset and have had to see it through to the end.
How did you go about turning your ideas into a reality?
Rather like Judy Cramer, the creator of the musical about the band, Mamma Mia!, who had great trouble trying to convince former band member Bjorn to support her project, we nagged and nagged Benny for assistance and support. Eventually he said okay and, with him onboard, the project really took off.
Who came up with the design for the building?
The Museum is housed in a 100 year-old warehouse which we have converted to meet our requirements. Ulf and I worked alongside our architect to transform the space, which is very open and gives us great lighting.
What was the reaction of the band members when you approached them?
Initially, they were reluctant to get involved with the project, but when we showed them how the exhibits would be interactive and allow visitors to really engage with the story of the band, they loved the idea and gave us their full support.
What sort of things will visitors be able to see at the Museum?
You will be able to see hundreds of original items that have been donated by all four members. The interactive exhibits will also give you the chance to sing and dance and participate in many other ways.
What do you see the Museum offering visitors from the UK?
All of the Museum’s information will be in English and you will also be able to sing in English. For UK fans, it will be a great opportunity to learn more about the musicians in their native country.