Stockholm, Sweden’s picturesque capital, is well-known not only for its stunning archipelago and Scandinavian charm but also for being the birthplace of Greta Garbo (1905-1990), one of cinema’s most mysterious figures.
Garbo is regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time, and her connection to Stockholm is a captivating tale of humble beginnings and extraordinary legacy. For tourists looking to combine cultural exploration with historical intrigue, tracing Greta Garbo’s footsteps in Stockholm is an unforgettable experience.
Greta Garbo’s birthplace in Södermalm
Greta Garbo was born Greta Lovisa Gustafsson and grew up on Blekingegatan in Södermalm. The Gustafsson family lived in a multi-family house, which was demolished in the 1970s. However, Greta Garbo Square and Garbo’s former school, Katarina Södra, are both located a short walk north of the original address. As you walk through this part of town, you can imagine young Greta fantasizing about a life beyond the city’s borders.
Garbo’s discovery at the PUB department store
In her youth, Garbo worked as a shop assistant in the hat department of the PUB department store on Hötorget in central Stockholm. She later worked as a model in the store’s advertisements and promotional films. In 1922, film director Erik A. Petschler discovered her and offered her a role in his upcoming film. Petschler also advised her to attend the Royal Dramatic Theatre’s acting school, prompting Garbo to leave her position at PUB on July 22, 1922.
PUB was a classic department store located on Hötorget, across from the Concert Hall. Scandic has since converted the building into the Haymarket hotel. As a side note, Vladimir Lenin bought a suit here during his visit to Stockholm in April 1917, on his way back to Russia and the revolution.
Filmstaden Råsunda: Where her career took flight
Greta Garbo shot several of her early films at Filmstaden Råsunda. Filmstaden, located in Solna, just north of Stockholm, was one of Sweden’s largest film studios and a key location for Swedish film production in the 1920s and 1930s. Garbo, who began her career in Swedish cinema before moving to Hollywood, established herself as an international film star. She filmed some of her notable Swedish films, including Gösta Berlings Saga (1924), at Filmstaden Råsunda.
Greta Garbo: From New York to Skogskyrkogården
Greta Garbo died at the age of 84 on April 15, 1990, in New York, USA. In her later years, she led a reclusive life in New York.
In the stunning architectural and natural setting of Skogskyrkogården cemetery in Stockholm, Greta Garbo was eventually buried. UNESCO has designated Skogskyrkogården as a World Heritage Site, preserving Greta Garbo’s legacy in this peaceful setting.
