Apollo was a cinema located at 28 Hamngatan, one of Stockholmâs earliest movie theaters when it first opened in 1907. Film screenings continued until 1960, when the building was demolished as part of the Norrmalm redevelopment project.
Situated on Hamngatsbacken, near Malmskillnadsgatan and next to HĂ€stskopalatset, Apollo began showing films on August 4, 1907, under its first manager, Albin Roosval. Some of the films came from Apolloâs own production company, including short films such as The Merry Widow, Ballet from the Opera Mignon, and Stockholmâs Fire Brigade.
From the very beginning, the cinema marketed itself as specializing in âSwedish pictures.â Initially, Apollo had no fixed screening times; instead, films were shown in a continuous loop with live piano accompanimentâa format that anticipated the later concept of non-stop cinemas. The rectangular theater had seating for 176 visitors.
During the 1910s, Apollo was a premiere cinema but later transitioned into a second-run theater. A renovation in 1934 introduced upholstered seats, a curtain, and soft carpets, giving the venue a more comfortable atmosphere. Unlike many other cinemas at the time, Apollo was independently operated and did not belong to any chain.
In January 1960, the theater closed permanently, and the building was torn down shortly after, as Hamngatsbacken was slated for excavation. By the time of its closure, Apollo held the distinction of being Stockholmâs oldest surviving cinema.
The photograph was taken in October 1959 by Lennart af Petersens for the Stockholm City Museum.
