脜bo Svenska Teater (Abo Swedish Theatre), Turku
Abo Swedish Theatre in Turku holds the prestigious title of being the oldest theatre in the country, with its origins dating back to 1839. This Swedish-speaking theatre, nestled in the heart of Turku, is a testament to the city鈥檚 rich cultural heritage, particularly from its era as part of Sweden. The theatre building itself, a marvel of 19th-century architecture, has been in continuous operation since its opening, making it Finland's oldest functioning theatre house. The theatre is renowned for its elegant theatre hall, which exudes the charm and glamour of the 19th century.
Throughout its history, Abo Swedish Theatre has hosted an impressive range of performances, from plays and musicals to music theatre, attracting both local and international talent. During its early years, the theatre relied on traveling theatre companies from Sweden, such as the Stenborg Troupe and Carl Seuerling鈥檚 company, which performed in Finland during the 18th century. The theatre truly flourished after the destruction of the earlier Bonuviers Teater in the Great Fire of Turku in 1827, leading to the construction of the present building in 1839.
Notable figures in the theatre鈥檚 early history include Ulrik Torsslow鈥檚 company and concert singers like Betty Boije, who graced its stage in the same year the theatre opened. Later, famed Swedish performers like Johanna von Schoultz and Jenny Lind held concerts at the theatre in the 1840s. The theatre was a key venue for traveling Swedish theatre troupes until 1894 when it finally hosted its first permanent native Finnish ensemble.
Today, Abo Swedish Theatre boasts three distinct stages: Stora Scenen, with a seating capacity of 365, Studioscenen with 136 seats, and the more intimate Tiljan-scene, accommodating up to 100 guests. The theatre continues to be a vibrant hub for cultural activities, blending historical significance with contemporary performances.
Throughout its history, Abo Swedish Theatre has hosted an impressive range of performances, from plays and musicals to music theatre, attracting both local and international talent. During its early years, the theatre relied on traveling theatre companies from Sweden, such as the Stenborg Troupe and Carl Seuerling鈥檚 company, which performed in Finland during the 18th century. The theatre truly flourished after the destruction of the earlier Bonuviers Teater in the Great Fire of Turku in 1827, leading to the construction of the present building in 1839.
Notable figures in the theatre鈥檚 early history include Ulrik Torsslow鈥檚 company and concert singers like Betty Boije, who graced its stage in the same year the theatre opened. Later, famed Swedish performers like Johanna von Schoultz and Jenny Lind held concerts at the theatre in the 1840s. The theatre was a key venue for traveling Swedish theatre troupes until 1894 when it finally hosted its first permanent native Finnish ensemble.
Today, Abo Swedish Theatre boasts three distinct stages: Stora Scenen, with a seating capacity of 365, Studioscenen with 136 seats, and the more intimate Tiljan-scene, accommodating up to 100 guests. The theatre continues to be a vibrant hub for cultural activities, blending historical significance with contemporary performances.
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脜bo Svenska Teater (Abo Swedish Theatre) on Map
Sight Name: 脜bo Svenska Teater (Abo Swedish Theatre)
Sight Location: Turku, Finland (See walking tours in Turku)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Turku, Finland (See walking tours in Turku)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Turku, Finland
Create Your Own Walk in Turku
Creating your own self-guided walk in Turku is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Turku Introduction Walking Tour
Turku is the oldest city in Finland. The city served as the capital of Finland from September 1809 through April 1812. It is a popular tourist destination because of its long history and impact on Finnish culture.
The name "Turku" derives from the Slavic word for marketplace. Not surprisingly, Turku has popular markets like those held at the Turku Old Market Hall and Market Square.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
The name "Turku" derives from the Slavic word for marketplace. Not surprisingly, Turku has popular markets like those held at the Turku Old Market Hall and Market Square.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Turku's Architectural Jewels
The oldest city in Finland, Turku, has several attractive old buildings that catch the eye and showcase the city's rich history and culture.
Prime among such jewels are the Turku Orthodox Church, characterized by its distinctive onion-shaped domes, the historic neoclassical Swedish-language Abo Svenska Theater, and the beautiful late 19th-century Turku Old Market Hall (Turun Kauppahalli).... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Prime among such jewels are the Turku Orthodox Church, characterized by its distinctive onion-shaped domes, the historic neoclassical Swedish-language Abo Svenska Theater, and the beautiful late 19th-century Turku Old Market Hall (Turun Kauppahalli).... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles