The European Broadcasting Union and ABBA The Museum have welcomed hundreds of guests at the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm on 7 May. The interactive ”GOOD EVENING EUROPE!” exhibition celebrates the history of the world’s longest running annual television music competition, first held in 1956.

Swedish Eurovision winners Björn Ulvaeus (1974), Carola (1991), Loreen (2012), Herreys (1984) and 2015 champion Måns Zelmerlöw helped open the exhibition in front of guests and media from all over Europe, China and Australia.

The exhibition was the brainchild of ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Eurovision Song Contest Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand.

At the launch Jon Ola Sand said: "It is incredible to see the 60 year history of the world’s biggest music event presented here in Stockholm in such a vibrant, entertaining and interactive exhibition. It is fitting that, as the Contest returns to Stockholm for the 3rd time, the history of the world’s biggest music event can now be explored alongside that of its most successful winners.”

Björn Ulvaeus added: “The Eurovision Song Contest occupies a special place in my heart. It is a pleasure to be able to display the long, and in many ways astonishing, history of this 60 year old event where music is at the centre. And I couldn’t think of any better place to do it than at ABBA The Museum in Stockholm.”

The exhibition showcases costumes from Eurovision winners including Conchita Wurst, Johnny Logan, Lordi and Celine Dion. Clips of the artists performing on the Eurovision stage appear on a large display screen alongside.

Celine Dion, who donated the outfit she wore when she won the Contest in 1988, said; “Winning the 33rd Eurovision was a very special moment for me. Reaching millions of viewers and receiving votes from all these countries gave me tremendous exposure to my then young career. Michael Robidas, a renowned Montreal designer, created the dress for this occasion. I always kept it as a good luck charm.”

Visitors can also see costumes from Swedish winner Carola Häggkvist, Dutch champions Teach In and Norwegian winners Bobbysocks amongst others.

The exhibition also provides the opportunity to delve into hundreds of hours of past Eurovision Song Contests. Every existing Contest has been digitalized and much of it is displayed in a fun, TV-like setting for visitors to access. From the first winner, Switzerland’s Lys Assia in 1956 to Sweden’s Måns Zelmerlöw in 2015, visitors can immerse themselves in 60 years of great performances, nail-biting moments and classic television moments.

A special wall honours the Sweden’s six Eurovision winners; ABBA, Herreys, Carola, Charlotte Perrelli, Loreen and Måns Zelmerlöw with stories written by Christer Björkman, the King of Sweden’s Melodifestival. Visitors can also test their Eurovision Song Contest knowledge with an interactive quiz and sing favourite songs on the Eurovision stage itself too.

The exhibition has been curated by ABBA The Museum Director Ingmarie Halling and set designer Bengt Fröderberg together with Anna Söderberg.

Ingmarie Halling was excited to unveil the exhibition after nearly 6 months of work: “I believe everyone has heard the words ”Good Evening Europe!” coming from a TV set nearby at some point in their lives. A song contest so old, so hot and so loved by so many viewers is unique. It´s a real honour for ABBA The Museum at Pop House that together with the EBU we get the chance to show this colourful exhibition for fans, friends, media and artists from back in the day until now.”

An empty space in the exhibition will be filled by the winner of the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest which will be held in Stockholm on 10, 12 & 14 May. On the day after the Grand Final, the winning artist is invited to visit the museum and place one item from their performance in the exhibition.

ABOUT ABBA THE MUSEUM & POP HOUSE

In May 2013 Pop House opened its doors and the house has since then welcomed over 1 million visitors. Pop House is home to the world-renowned ABBA The Museum exhibition, which presents the history of Sweden’s all-time greatest pop group. The building also houses the History of Swedish Popular Music exhibition, featuring Roxette, Robyn, Ace of Base, Europe and some 400 other Swedish artists. Here, there is also the Swedish Music Hall of Fame, with new contributors to Sweden’s music heritage inducted each year. On the 7th of May European Broadcasting Union and ABBA The Museum will inaugurate the new exhibition about Eurovision Song Contest. Tickets are valid for all exhibitions. Find out more at pophouse.se

Pop House also comprises a hotel, a restaurant & bar with over 130 seats, a café and a shop.

Explore the pop house world and make sure you get the latest news from Pop House at pophouse.se