Teater Rival Travel Guide

In 1937, Biograf Rival opened its doors on Mariatorget, becoming Ri-Teatrarnas largest movie palace with 1,218 seats. Architect Rolf Hagstrand designed the building, while Danish artist Markus Madrid Lorentzon crafted the striking Art Deco interiors. From the start, it mixed cinema with hotel rooms, a restaurant, café, and apartments, pioneering a new entertainment model in Stockholm.

During World War II, the theater played an unexpected role when Finnish partisans used it in 1944 to sort and microfilm intelligence from the Continuation War. Post-war, it remained a beloved venue for films and variety shows, evolving into a cornerstone of Södermalm's cultural scene amid the neighborhood's bohemian vibe.

In 2002, ABBA musician Benny Andersson, along with partners Christer Sandahl and Christer Hägglund, acquired the then-Aston Hotel and Rival cinema. A major renovation followed, led by interior architect Karin Ahlgren and architect Anders Bergkrantz. Hotel Rival debuted on September 1, 2003, with the theater reborn as a versatile salong seating 735, emphasizing high-quality shows, theater, concerts, and lectures.

The salong retains its opulent Art Deco heritage, with velvet themes echoing the hotel's rooms. Patrons enter a space where historic grandeur fuses with sleek Scandinavian design—think plush seating, dramatic lighting, and walls adorned with evocative photography. The stage has welcomed stars, from stand-up comics to musical acts, creating unforgettable nights.

From 2003, the venue hosted hundreds of events, including the Swedish premiere of Mamma Mia! with ABBA members present. Hits like the play Rainman starring Robert Gustafsson ran for sold-out months. Today, it focuses on premium productions: theater, concerts, lectures, and cabaret, drawing crowds to its acoustically superb hall.

Nestled in lively Södermalm, Teater Rival anchors Mariatorget's energy. Adjacent to Hotel Rival's bistro and Watson’s Bar, it offers seamless evenings of dining and performance. The theater's legacy as a multi-faceted pleasure palace endures, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge arts in one of Stockholm's most charismatic spots.