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Exhibitions

The IKEA catalogue through the ages

12 August 2020–31 August 2022

Several issues of the IKEA catalogue from 1951 until today covering a large surface, overlapping each other.
Several issues of the IKEA catalogue from 1951 until today covering a large surface, overlapping each other.

Over the years, the IKEA catalogue has inspired readers and shown them new perspectives on life at home. Now you can dive into the history of the iconic catalogue and see how our homes have changed and developed.

A cosy bedroom with a made double bed, a rug, cushions and lamps, and a large glass box with a camera on a tripod inside.
In the exhibition, you can photograph yourself on the cover of the 1973 and the 2021 catalogue.
A personalised cover of the 1973 IKEA catalogue with a woman lying on a denim sofa-mattress in a yellow living room.
Print the photo and keep it as a souvenir.

The exhibition The IKEA catalogue through the ages takes you on a 70-year journey through time and space. That’s how long the IKEA catalogue has been produced here in Älmhult. It was initially a simple brochure, but over the years it grew in size to become a source of inspiration for people around the world. The exhibition takes you behind the scenes and shows you how one of the world’s most widely distributed printed works has been produced and has changed over the years – from basic product pictures, to furnished rooms and 3D design. For 70 years we’ve been coming to your home. Now it’s your turn to come to us!

For 70 years we’ve been coming to your home. Now it’s your turn to come to us!

The IKEA catalogue exhibition at IKEA Museum, highlighting certain years and their particular style expressions.
The IKEA catalogue has been around for 70 years, distributed to millions of homes and providing inspiration to the many people.
Fake sliding walls with bricks and front doors in different colours, studio backgrounds and tripods with cameras.
Welcome inside! The exhibition takes you behind the scenes of catalogue production.
A dark green STRANDMON wing chair at IKEA Museum, with the STRANDMON story explained on a large panel behind it.
Over the years, the IKEA catalogue has introduced readers to new products and reminded them of old favourites.

New!

For the first time ever, you can also find all the Swedish catalogues in digital form at IKEAmuseum.com. What did sofas look like in 1968? What was trendy when you were born, and what has come back into fashion? Browse, share, rediscover and be inspired!

Find all the Swedish IKEA catalogues here

A grey tabletop, a cup of coffee, spectacles, notebooks, a pen and a hand browsing through an old IKEA catalogue on a tablet.