Swedish furniture giant Ikea has revealed that it is to turn its first ever store, in southern Sweden, into a museum.
The Swedish company, which is now renowned around the world, explained that it wants to celebrate its history by making the first store, which opened its doors in 1943, more of a cultural experience.
Michele Acuna, the managing director of the site that will be used for the museum, said that the first Ikea branch was opened in the town of Almhult in 1943, and last year it moved to a new location. She explained that this gave them the chance to do something with the original site.
Acuna revealed that they already have an 800sq-metre space that will be used to showcase its products spanning the past seven decades, and that Ikea has also requested permission to renovate the flagship store so it can be used as an exhibition space.
She noted that there is plenty of interest in the company’s history, particularly among Danes, the Dutch and Germans. She explained that they want to tell the story of how the business developed and the various product ranges over the years as well as offer visitors a “fun and interactive experience”.
Ikea was founded near the southern Swedish city of Malmo in 1943. The museum, which the company hopes will attract 200,000 visitors a year, is scheduled to open in 2015.