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The Official Eurovision Song Contest Exhibition opens!

07 May 2016 at 22:55 CEST
The EBU and ABBA The Museum have welcomed hundreds of guests at the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm on 7th May. The interactive ”GOOD EVENING EUROPE!” celebrates the history of the world’s longest running annual television music competition that was first held in 1956. The exhibition was opened by ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and 2015 champion Måns Zelmerlöw.

“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. ABBA are the Song Contest’s most successful winners so to be welcomed into the museum dedicated to their exceptional achievements is a great honour”, said Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest.

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.”

Eurovision Royalty

Previous Swedish Eurovision Song Contest winners Carola (1991), Loreen (2012), Herreys (1984) were also in attendance alongside guests and media from all over Europe, China and Australia.

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 digitised 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.

Visit the EBU website for the full press release, for more information about ABBA The Museum visit the Pop House website.