History buffs look for love in Stockholm museum

Stockholm singles, eager for connection, gathered at a royal history museum just before Valentine's Day, hoping to find partners who shared their enthusiasm for the monarchy and historical battles. The evening, hosted by the Royal Armoury, kicked off with a quiz designed to break the ice among the 30 history buffs in attendance.

Divided into teams, participants tackled challenging questions like "Which king's swords are displayed in the room?" and "Who wore the red jacket with ornate silver embroidery?" "It was quite difficult," admitted Gustav Englund, a 30-year-old traffic planner who attended with colleagues.

In one corner, a table held numbered vials containing scents typically associated with battlefields. Participants were tasked with identifying these fragrances, including the off-putting scent of a rotting cadaver—a definite mood-killer for anyone hoping for a romantic encounter. Lisa Lyden, a 46-year-old administrative assistant, quickly headed to the bar to wash away the memory of the unpleasant odor. "I came hoping to meet a guy," she said, a big smile on her face. "I go to a lot of singles' events, but dating can be tough."

The Royal Armoury has been organizing singles' evenings since 2017, curator Magdalena Piotrowska shared. "We have a strong presence on social media, and we communicate in a fun and engaging way about history," she explained. "We interact with our followers frequently, and it’s clear there’s a significant interest—many of these individuals likely lack someone to share their passions with."

Eva Dozzi, a 67-year-old employee at public broadcaster SVT, expressed her enjoyment of the gatherings. "It's a creative way to meet new people, whether you're single or not. It increases the chances of connecting with someone who shares your interests."

Located in Stockholm's royal palace, the Royal Armoury showcases Swedish royal history from the 16th century to the present, detailing the lives, reigns, and personal stories of kings and queens, including their romances and, for some, their tragic ends on the battlefield, Piotrowska noted.