I remember one weekend in Sofia, Bulgaria.

On Saturday morning, I wandered through a guest exhibition of Auguste Rodin.

The afternoon was spent in an art cinema, where they screened Fellini films. (for free!)

That evening, I went to a concert of the Buena Vista Social Club.

The next day, after a late lunch with friends, we spontaneously ended up at a comedy show in a local theater.

It was Sunday, and I remember seeing elegantly dressed pensioners strolling through the city streets, heading to restaurants either before or after their theater visits. These weren’t fast-food joints but 24-hour restaurants where you could enjoy a multi-course meal at two in the morning, starting with a soup. These places were always bustling with people.

Despite Bulgaria not being a wealthy country, none of these cultural events felt extravagant or out of reach, even on my modest university salary.

This accessibility to culture wasn’t or isn't unique to Bulgaria.

I experienced similar things in Croatia and Serbia.

In Belgrade, two chairs were magically produced for a friend and me at a sold-out theater play by Tena Štivičić, which we decided to see on a whim.

On the Croatian coast, my Swedish partner and I went to see an Israeli film. The subtitles were in Croatian, and when the ticket seller overheard us debating whether my partner should go in, he simply waved us in without a ticket.

In Greece, I walked Aristotle’s paths at Aristotle’s School for free with my student card, but even without it, the entry was cheap. The Byzantine Museum and Greek National Opera also offered free entrance for everyone.

Even in Germany, culture felt accessible.

But not in Scandinavia.

In Sweden, I do go to the movies and occasionally to a theater or a show.

I haven’t been to the opera yet.

It feels like this kind of culture is reserved for a select few, and the prices confirm that. While there are occasional free cultural events, they only seem to highlight the disparity. There are no pensioners regularly attending theaters or operas unless they have significant financial backing, often linked to high-status jobs.

Growing up in Croatia, going to theaters and operas with school was a regular part of my education.

I guess that this early and regular exposure to culture created an appreciation and hunger for it.

When I’m back in Croatia, I maniacally visit every cultural event I can, trying to satisfy this hunger.

So, why is culture so much more expensive in Sweden?

Sweden has one of the highest costs of living globally, driven by high wages, strong social welfare systems, and high taxes. These factors make goods and services, including cultural activities, more expensive.

Culture is not heavily subsidies by the goverment.

I believe that art is a necessity: to have a shared space for people to experience stories and performances together has important social purposes.

Sweden offers a high-quality cultural experience but it comes at a price that makes it less accessible to the general population. This creates a cultural divide, where only certain people can regularly afford it.

Me don't like it. ;)