Recently, IKEA held its annual event Popular Design Day 2025 in the small Swedish town of Älmhult, drawing professionals from the global design world to explore the brand's core philosophy—creating a better life for the many. Älmhult is not only the birthplace of IKEA but also the global hub for the brand's design innovation, product development, and business decisions, making it significant for the brand's growth.
Here, the IKEA Museum stands as a significant landmark in Älmhult, showcasing the evolution of the brand. The highlight exhibition The Story of IKEA provides a complete retrospective of founder Ingvar Kamprad's entrepreneurial journey, transforming from a mail-order business at age 17 into an international leader in home furnishings. Additionally, the museum features two limited-time special exhibitions that delve into IKEA's design heritage and cultural perspective, allowing visitors to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the brand's historical context.
One of the special exhibitions pays tribute to exceptional women designers from both history and the modern era, showcasing works from 25 female designers. It features many masterpieces, spanning from Danish legend Nanna Ditzel to Swedish newcomer Louise Xin. Through these designs, the exhibition highlights the influence of women in the design world and how they reshape cultural images with innovative thinking. The exhibition will run until March 8th of next year.
Another special exhibition celebrates the 40th anniversary of the STOCKHOLM series, which was famously referred to by Ingvar Kamprad as IKEA's Best Designs. This retrospective showcases classic works from the eighth generation of the STOCKHOLM series, allowing visitors to witness the evolution of this iconic collection over the decades, and how IKEA has blended elegance and luxury with mass appeal, bringing a fresh aesthetic dimension to home design.
The IKEA Museum website has released more detailed information about its exhibitions, offering design and home enthusiasts a great opportunity to delve into the stories behind IKEA.
