Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern

The Royal Dramatic Theatre (Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern or Dramaten) is Sweden’s national stage for spoken drama, located in central Stockholm and founded in 1788. It is the country’s primary institution for large-scale theatrical productions.

The theatre occupies a prominent early 20th-century building on Nybroplan that contains multiple performance spaces, a public foyer and stage workshops. The house stages a season of classical and contemporary plays produced primarily in Swedish and mounts both large main-stage productions and smaller studio works. Guided visits and public events are commonly offered by the institution.

The company was established under royal patronage in 1788 and performed in several venues before the current purpose-built building was completed in 1908. The Nybroplan theatre was designed by Fredrik Lilljekvist and has remained the principal home of Dramaten since its opening.

The theatre sits on Nybroplan in central Stockholm on the waterfront adjacent to Östermalm and Berzelii Park, within easy walking distance of the city center and Stockholm’s main transport hubs.

• Founded: 1788 is the year the Royal Dramatic Theatre was founded under royal patronage.
• Current building: The present Nybroplan building was completed in 1908 and was designed by architect Fredrik Lilljekvist.

What to See #

• Stora scenen: The principal auditorium in the Nybroplan building, opened in the early 20th century; hosts the theatre's major productions and gala presentations.
• Lilla scenen: A smaller, flexible performance space used for experimental work and chamber plays, located within the same Nybroplan complex.