A Seventies Brighton venue has been recreated for one of the biggest-ever ABBA exhibitions.
Visitors to the O2 will be able to step inside a replica of the original Brighton Dome where the Swedish chart-toppers kick-started their success by winning the 1974 Eurovision song contest.
Sensory exhibits include a recreation of a Swedish “folkpark”, typical of the outdoor venues that hosted their early gigs, complete with the aroma of pine needles — as well as a full-scale recreation of superfan Andrew Boardman’s living room which has become a shrine to the band.
Syd Moore, who curated the folkpark room, said it showed an aspect of ABBA’s roots that many were not aware of. “When we were developing the exhibition it seemed there was a fairytale quality to ABBA’s success and we felt the dreamlike quality of the Swedish glade and it’s pine aroma was the perfect start point,” she said.
Mr Boardman, who first saw the band play live at Wembley in 1975, said he hoped other fans would enjoy his collection.
“The fans have always been so important to the band and that’s really being celebrated here,” he said.
ABBA’s Frida Lyngstad said they were “delighted” to support the show, adding: “The UK has long held a special place in ABBA’s heart.”
ABBA: Super Troupers The Exhibition is at the O2 from December 6 to August 31.
