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IKEA Museum in Älmhult - fascinating about a department store

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The IKEA Museum tells the story of the huge furniture store that was founded in 1943 as a mail order company by the then 17-year-old Ingvar Kamprad in Småland. The story is fascinating, so of course we wanted to check out the museum!

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IKEA Museum

The IKEA Museum is located where the first IKEA store opened in 1958, in Älmhult, Småland. The name IKEA stands for Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd. Elmataryd is an older spelling of the farm Älmtaryd where Ingvar grew up. The farm in turn was in the parish of Agunnaryd, near Ljungby.

IKEA Museum

The IKEA Museum is located in the centre of Älmhult in Småland, just over 20 miles southwest of Växjö.

The story of IKEA

The museum's main exhibition, 'The Story of IKEA', takes you from the start at the farm in Agunnaryd where Ingvar Kamprad grew up, to the first store in Älmhult and on to the world.

The first part of the exhibition, 'Our Roots', tells the story of the poor farming community in Småland in the past. Here you can get a small glimpse into the world where Ingvar Kamprad grew up, and perhaps understand how the combination of striving, entrepreneurial spirit and modernism led to... IKEA.

IKEA Museum

The next part of the exhibition, 'IKEA through the ages', tells an exciting and sometimes rebellious story of the store's development. One of Ingvar Kamprad's key principles was to make good design accessible to the general public. This was made possible through flat packs, smart distribution, large editions and creative production solutions.

IKEA Museum

Here are some highlights of the story:

  • 1958: The world's first IKEA store opens in Älmhult.
  • 1960: IKEA introduces the Allen key.
  • 1970: Scandinavian product names are conquering the world.
  • 1980: IKEA stores will be yellow and blue.

Of course, there is also a meatball on display at the IKEA Museum! After all, meatballs are IKEA's number 1 favourite dish and have been served at the store since 1979.

Köttbulle

The last part of the exhibition is about 'The many sides of Ingvar Kamprad'. Here you can learn more about the entrepreneur's family, his charity work, early business ventures, setbacks and much more.

Ingvar Kamprad

Making your own IKEA cover

At the IKEA Museum, you can create your own cover for an IKEA catalogue, and we wanted to! You can choose between the 2021 and 1973 covers. When you see us in that cosy bed, don't you want to go shopping for the Songesand bed frame?

IKEA Museum - katalog

More and temporary exhibitions

In addition to the main exhibition, there are also other exhibitions. At the moment, you could see an exhibition on the IKEA catalogue through the ages and an exhibition on Hagberg + Hagberg (31 May 2021 - 9 January 2022).

IKEA Museum

Visiting the IKEA Museum

So, what did we think? It is really fascinating to follow the story of the entrepreneur Ingvar Kamprad, and therefore this is also an interesting museum. Perhaps we felt that some parts could have been presented in a more fun way, but a visit here is interesting nonetheless.

IKEA Museum

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

If you want to see and experience more in the neighbourhood of IKEA Museum, you can go to Huseby mill or Car cemetery Kyrkö mosse. You can also go to Växjö and, for example, see the beautiful Teleborg Castle.

All our top tips for holidays in Småland

Have you visited the IKEA Museum in Älmhult? Do you usually shop at IKEA?

Facts about IKEA Museum

  • Landscape: Småland
  • County: Kronoberg County
  • Municipality: Älmhult
  • Address: Ikeagatan 5, Älmhult
  • Read more: You can find more information at the museum's website.

Tours and activities

  • Guided tour: On weekends, at specific times, there are guided tours with knowledgeable guides.
  • Create your own IKEA cover: By entering the studio at IKEA, you can be on the cover of the 2021 catalogue or the 1973 catalogue.
  • Exhibitions: In addition to the main exhibition, there are various temporary exhibitions.

Services and practical information

  • Opening hours: Every day 10-18 (2021). Some public holidays may have shorter opening hours. The restaurant is closed on certain public holidays.
  • Prices: Adults 60 SEK, 60+ 50 SEK and children under 18 free (2021).
  • Accessibility: The museum is accessible to people using a wheelchair or walker, or pushing a pram. Accessible toilets are available on several floors. There is a hearing loop in the education room.
  • Rules: Dogs and other pets are not allowed, with the exception of guide or service dogs.
  • Accommodation: The IKEA Hotel is across the street from the museum.
  • Food service: Restaurant KÖKET serves meatballs, plant balls, cod and salmon balls and more.
  • Shop: The museum shop offers gifts, nostalgic products and more.

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