Theatre Costume – Abecedarium of Illusions

On view from 24 May 2025 to 24 May 2026

At the theatre, audiences are transported to different times, places and realities. A performance might play out in the past, in the future or in a completely invented world. Theatre costumes are an essential tool in that transformation.

Craftsmanship behind the theatre costumes

This exhibition is built as an abecedarium, in which each letter of the alphabet opens up new perspectives on theatre costumes. Through the world of costumes, visitors gain unique insights into the craftsmanship, creativity and skilled professionals who bring garments for the stage to life. Meet the tailors, hatters, costume textile artists and other experts whose work takes place long before the curtains go up.

From sketch to stage

This exhibition takes you behind the scenes and onto the stage – from the first sketches and selection of materials in the studios, to the finished costumes that enhance the characters and stories in the theatre. How is a role shaped through clothing? How do the fabrics, silhouettes and details influence a performance?

At this exhibition, you get to see and experience around 100 costumes from the Museum of Performing Arts’ own collection, theatres around Sweden, and items on loan from private collections.

Introduction daily at 3 pm

Come along when one of our knowledgeable museum hosts guide you through exhibition highlights in a 25-minute introduction in English at 3 pm Tuesday-Sunday. Meeting point: the Vault Room (Valvrummet), outside the Gallery on the entrance level. The introduction is included in the admission – no pre-booking required.