Jönköpings Theater

Stepping into a historic theatre tingles the senses. Its grandeur captivates the eyes, and the buzz of the audience fills every corner. Velvet seats, exquisite backdrops, and lofty ceilings give voices and sounds an expansive quality. The anticipation builds. A spotlight’s glow, vibrant tones, or the soft creak of footsteps on the stage draw you into a world of immediacy. True moments, dramatic performances, and enchanting music create lasting memories. This is a well-preserved gem and the liveliest 120-year-old in town. Welcome to Jönköpings Teater!

Here, legends like Harriet Bosse, Inga Tidblad, Gösta Ekman the Elder, and Karl Gerhard have performed. Martin Öhman, one of Sweden’s most internationally acclaimed opera singers during the 1920s and 30s, also graced this stage.

Today, the theatre hosts everything from concerts and musicals to plays and comedy shows. With approximately 100 performances annually, both major touring productions and smaller local acts contribute to the program. Explore the schedule at jonkopingsteater.se External link.. Tickets are available online or via the box office.

The theatre seats 353 people, divided between the stalls and two balconies. No matter where you sit, you’re close to the stage, creating an intimate connection between performers and the audience.

Theatre history

Theatre performances have been held in Jönköping since the 17th century, initially by travelling theatre troupes. The first permanent theatre venue dates back to around 1770.

On the same site at Hovrättstorget where Jönköpings Teater now stands, there was a wooden theatre built in 1825. This structure was demolished, and in the early 1900s, city architect August Atterström was tasked with designing a new theatre. The wooden cityscape was to be replaced with a more modern stone city.

After five redesigns, the new building was completed, despite protests about its size compared to nearby 17th-century structures like the Court of Appeal and the Old Town Hall.

In December 1904, Jönköpings Teater opened with the play Bröllopet på Ulvåsa. Initially, the southern part housed the theatre, while the middle and northern sections were used for restaurants, shops, and residences. Later, the residences were converted into what is now the Grand Hotel.

In 1932, the theatre was combined with a cinema, Teaterbion, which closed in the 1970s due to television’s growing popularity.

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