Bollhuset

Bollhuset, meaning "The Ball House" in Swedish, historically refers to buildings used for ball games, primarily jeu de paume, a predecessor to modern tennis and squash. These buildings served as important social and cultural spaces, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Bollhuset in Stockholm, Sweden, is particularly significant. Constructed in 1627 during the reign of King Gustav II Adolf, it was one of the earliest dedicated indoor spaces for ball sports in Sweden. Over time, the Stockholm Bollhuset transitioned from a sports venue to a theatrical stage. In 1667, it became the site of Sweden's first public theatre, the Kungliga Teatern (Royal Theatre), playing a pivotal role in the development of Swedish drama and opera. Performances were initially staged by foreign troupes, but eventually, Swedish-language productions emerged. The original Bollhuset theatre in Stockholm operated until the late 18th century, when a new Royal Theatre was built.

The term "Bollhuset" can also refer to similar ball houses found in other cities and countries, often serving as precursors to modern sporting facilities or evolving into other types of public venues. Therefore, while the Stockholm Bollhuset is the most historically prominent example, the term itself denotes a type of building with a specific historical function related to ball sports.