Ikea Museum
Almhult, Sweden
IKEA Museum is a corporate visitor attraction that tells the story of how the entrepreneur Ingvar Kamprad started IKEA and, with his colleagues, decided to create a better everyday life for people everywhere.
RAA was appointed to work with the Inter IKEA Culture Centre to plan and design the main exhibition. With the client, RAA developed a narrative of the emergence of IKEA from its humble roots in the Swedish province of Småland to its current position as one of the world’s most recognizable brands. Working first with Wilkinson Eyre Architects and later Uulas Arkitekter AB, the RAA team mapped out a visitor journey through the original 1958 IKEA store, respectfully adapting it into a rewarding visitor experience.
The main exhibition at the IKEA Museum is divided into three sections: Our Roots, Our Story and Your Stories. In the Our Roots section, the visitor is given a closer look at everyday life in late 19th century Småland, Sweden. This is where the IKEA founder Ingvar Kamprad started the IKEA business in 1943. Our Roots explores the society, living conditions, and spirit that prevailed, and fostered a young boy’s emerging business. Our Story examines the ideas, solutions, successes, and failures that have shaped the IKEA concept and continue to drive it forwards. In the Your Stories section, IKEA customers share their experiences and show the ways they use two of the most popular IKEA products. The IKEA Museum also includes a temporary exhibition, learning programs and facilities, a shop and a restaurant.
Size 75,000 square feet
Year 2016
“I love the clever way everything’s designed, how the pieces are created with humanity in mind, the company ethos and the showrooms that give inspiration.”
@gothgirltravels
“Seeing the things you had from childhood sitting in a museum was pretty surreal.”
@c_humblethomas
“The history of IKEA and the stories behind their concept were very interesting.”
@eddiehedgehog
“A treasure trove of design and brand history, spanning 7 decades!”
@meganmckean
“Very happy surrounded with many beautiful fabrics.”
@saragunnare
“A fascinating journey through Sweden’s agricultural history, economic development, and the evolution of modern production.”
—David H.
“Wonderful museum full of stories and throwbacks to your own family life.”
—Jens R.
“Fantastic experience that helps the visitor understand the overall philosophy become more aware of the things that inspired the company.”
—Pardalis G.
“Loved how the museum is organised and that there’s particular attention to disabled people, families and children.”
—Sofia
“A journey through the decades.”
—Sus NY
“Well-presented and interesting history of the company and a look into where many of their innovative ideas came from!”
—David P.
“You can tell it was created with a lot of pride and love.”
—María M.
“I was overjoyed to see how well designed and laid out this museum is, and how detailed the exhibits are.”
—Scott C.
“All around lovely experience.”
—Storey D.
“A beautiful museum with an interesting subject.”
—Juha K.
“An enjoyable and educational experience, offering a fresh perspective on the IKEA brand and its founder.”
—Yinzú N.
“A quiet reminder of where it all began and how far the vision has come.”
@scrapbookbyresh
“A brilliant museum.”
—Fish Tank
“Fun museum — I really enjoyed seeing iconic furniture from my childhood.”
—Jeroen J.
“Fun to read, look at, and experience what history was like.”
—Joke B.
“A truly beautiful museum.”
—Marco S.
“A very interesting exhibition with great IKEA relics from bygone eras.”
—Stephanie B.