ABBA Mia!

MANILA, Philippines - ABBA’s music is pop at its finest  very easy on the ears and next to impossible to shake off. The Swedish quartet’s infectiously catchy songs linger in your head even if you don’t want it to, and you’ll just find yourself humming or dancing along to it at the oddest moments. The proof is in the numbers: The group, which was composed of Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Agnetha Fältskog, has sold around over 380 million copies of their albums and singles across the globe.

ABBA had its heyday in the ‘70s and early ‘80s, but it’s still one of the biggest names in music today. That also explains why Mamma Mia, a West End musical based on their greatest hits like SOS, Money, Money, Money, and of course, Dancing Queen, has taken the world by storm since its debut in 1999. Since then, more than 54 million people in over 40 countries have seen the show, which has grossed about $2B internationally. I saw the play in London when it first opened, and yes, I must confess: I got up on stage with the rest of electrified audience, losing ourselves in those timeless, stimulating tunes.

I joined a group of friends who toured Sweden this summer, and after much deliberation, we decided that the itinerary we planned must include ABBA The Museum in Stockholm. Filled to the brim with memorabilia, including the helicopter featured on the cover of the 1976 LP Arrival, the museum opened its doors last May 7. It’s actually the most visited part of the Swedish Music Hall of Fame, which also welcomed its first visitors on the same day. 

As soon as we arrived at the venue, I could immediately feel how different this museum is. It’s not designed to only store things preserved for posterity. Instead, it’s designed to give visitors a complete and unforgettable ABBA experience. There’s a red carpet that ushers you in, giving you the VIP treatment from the get-go. Next is a set of colorful cut-outs of the hit-making foursome. Just place your face in the hole and voila, you’re a ‘70s superstar! Sure, it seems like an attraction at an amusement park, but it’s just too good to pass up.

The nonstop loop of music and videos helps set the mood, and it’s pointless to resist its nostalgic charm. The lobby, with its neon signages and décor of album sleeves, looks like a record bar, and you can get your slot-time entrance tickets, which allows you to schedule your visit at the same time as you’re buying them. No crazy lines or hours of waiting just to get in.

The Pop Shop is conveniently located nearby, and it’s simply a collector’s paradise. You can buy all the ABBA souvenirs you want, from writing pads and key chains to trays and cups and saucers. If you’re into more wearable stuff, then make sure to acquire t-shirts or the iconic strawberry necklace that ABBA ladies wore on the cover of the group’s The Winner Takes It All single.

The museum is dotted with photos, trophies, awards, hit charts and citations of every type that evoke the quartet’s beginnings, from their childhood memories to anecdotes about their successful tours and triumphant performances. Keep your eyes open to a sly tribute to Ring, Ring: A telephone that can ring at any time, and the lucky museum-goer who picks it up can have a quick chat with one of the ABBA.

Another irresistible sight is a showcase of costumes and stagewear that ABBA used, which can only be described as groovy because of the outrageous silhouettes and styles, plus the profusion of satin and sequins.

If you have always wanted to feel like the fifth member of ABBA, then don’t miss the chance to check out recreations of the band’s studio and backstage dressing room, plus the cabin on the island of Viggsö, where Björn and Benny would spend their time writing songs.

You can also read samples of fan mail from every corner of the world, a throwback to when people still did snail mail. And if that’s not enough, make sure to climb up the stage and belt out your favorite track with ABBA… well, their life-sized 3-D holograms, at least.

The museum, which is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, will also be the site of the official Mamma Mia! The Party, which is slated to begin by October, 2013. Signing up for this event, which is conceptualized for 100 people, means partaking in a Mediterranean feast inspired by the musical, so expect to enjoy wonderful cocktails and a sumptuous dinner before a delightful show.

ABBA held its last public performance as a group in December, 1982. I was wondering about how they must have felt in that moment when I saw a quote from Agnetha that was beautifully rendered on a wall. It said, “As naturally as we came together, we came to the end.” Sad but true. But later on, I saw yet another quote that went, “Thanks for all your generous love and thanks for all the fun.”

Indeed. ABBA had a fabulous run, and there’s no doubt that they were super troupers to reach such heights of fame and glory and to live on and on and on.  

(ABBA The Museum is at Djurgårdsvägen 68, Stockholm, Sweden.

How to get there:

City tram: Number 7 Sergelstorg – Waldermarsudde

Bus: Number 44 Ruddamen – Skansen

Boat: From Slussen to Djurgården

Taxi: Taxi Stockholm + 46 8 15 00 00

For details, visit www.abbathemuseum.com or email [email protected].)