Photos by Joar Vestergren
Step into the enchanting world of Skandia Theatre, a century-old cinematic gem nestled in the heart of Stockholm on Drottninggatan. This iconic venue, which has been a beacon for film lovers for over 30 years, is now facing the threat of closure. The Stockholm International Film Festival, along with Hollywood stars Ethan and Maya Hawke and Swedish actor Stellan Skarsgård, is launching a crowdfunding campaign to preserve this historic landmark. Join us in this collective effort to ensure that Skandia Theatre continues to be a vibrant hub for and a symbol of cinematic history for generations to come.
In the fall of 1923, Skandia Theatre emerged as a masterpiece of design, crafted by the visionary Ragnar Hjorth and creatively adorned by Sweden’s architectural legend, Gunnar Asplund. Standing alongside other Asplund masterpieces like Skogskyrkogården and Stockholm’s City Library, Skandia became a cinematic temple, witnessing the evolution of film as an art form.
For 34 years, the Stockholm Film Festival has graced Skandia’s halls, hosting gala premieres and welcoming film luminaries from Quentin Tarantino to Susan Sarandon. The theatre’s stage, once adorned with a silent film orchestra, has become a meeting ground for Nordic cinephiles to connect with the film world’s greatest icons.
Skandia Theatre, despite its rich history, is at risk due to its lack of official recognition as a building monument. The Stockholm International Film Festival is now calling on film lovers and anyone passionate about preserving cultural heritage to contribute to their crowdfunding campaign. Hollywood stars Ethan and Maya Hawke, along with Stellan Skarsgård, have thrown their weight behind this initiative, highlighting the global importance of saving Skandia Theatre.
This place isn’t just a building; it’s a living testament to the formative years of cinema. Its vulnerability to closure poses a significant risk to losing a vital piece of cultural heritage. The theatre’s legacy is an integral part of Stockholm’s cinematic history, and preserving it ensures that future film lovers and filmmakers can continue to experience the magic of cinema within its hallowed walls.
In the spirit of unity and shared love for cinema, the Stockholm International Film Festival invites you to be a part of this historic preservation effort. Visit the crowdfunding campaign, endorsed by Ethan and Maya Hawke, and contribute to the cause of keeping Skandia Theatre alive for another century. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that this cinematic treasure remains a symbol of cultural pride. Let’s join forces to save Skandia Theatre from fading into obscurity and continue its legacy as a timeless cinematic gem!
To the Kickstarter campaign for saving Skandia
