IKEA Catalogue covers through the ages. First IKEA store in Älmhult, Sweden.
Overview IKEA Museum.
Telling the story of IKEA The newly opened IKEA Museum tells the story of IKEA in the very spot where it all began. Curious visitors get first-hand insights into the origins, values and corporate culture of the world’s favourite furniture brand. By Malin Norman | Photos: Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2016
On 30 June this year, IKEA Museum opened its doors in what was the first IKEA store from 1958 located in Älmhult, Sweden. The building has been restored to its original form according to drawings by architect Claes Knutson. The museum is a must-see for anyone curious about the world-famous company and showcases design and product development including ideas and driving forces, mistakes and lessons learned, and of course its people and furniture. “Ingvar Kamprad founded IKEA 70 years ago and we have many stories to share. Events, situations and people who have made IKEA what it is today,” says IKEA Museum’s manager Carina KloekMalmsten. “The museum is a great format for different perspectives and dialogue, and gives us the opportunity to let everyone experience and get close to the story about IKEA.”
The story The main exhibition is divided into three parts - Our Roots, Our Story and 58 | Issue 91 | August 2016
Your Story. In Our Roots, visitors can learn about the background of the IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad and his entrepreneurial beginnings in Småland, as well as the everyday life and spirit of that time. In the second part, Our Story, the focus is on what has shaped IKEA and drives the company forward, highlighting important events from the start. In Your Stories, a number of customers remember their moments with IKEA focusing on the BILLY bookcase and the KLIPPAN sofa. “The museum also includes a temporary exhibition about life at home in the future. Right now we showcase the exhibition #IKEAtemporary brought directly to Älmhult from the 2015 Milan Furniture Fair,” says Kloek-Malmsten. Another important part of the museum is the educational programme for schools with a series of workshops about entrepreneurship, technology and design, as well as history and society. The dedicated classroom sits on the first floor and can be booked in advance.
Visitors can enjoy a meal in the restaurant Köket (The Kitchen), with a menu based on the famous meatballs but in a new and modern take. In the IKEA Museum shop visitors can buy products to remind them of their visit. Some are recognisable from the IKEA stores but come in a different colour or size, and others are newly produced or miniature versions of classic pieces.
IKEA customer stories.
The IKEA Museum, restaurant and museum shop are open daily from 10am to 7pm.
For more information, please visit: www.ikeamuseum.com