IKEA Hong Kong: 50 Years of Togetherness
Hej!
Did you know that IKEA is already marking its 50th year in Hong Kong?
For anyone who’s ever found joy in assembling flat-pack furniture, 50 Years of Togetherness is a time capsule of everyday magic that celebrates IKEA’s half-century journey as it wove itself into the fabric of homes and hearts in the Hong Kong community.
In a spotlight on sustainability, a meticulously laid timeline wall chronicles retired catalogues from the archives and the company’s evolving philosophy toward eco-consciousness. From pioneering renewable materials to aiming for a circular business model, IKEA’s journey is as much about protecting our planet as it is about furnishing homes, and it’s inspiring to witness a global brand lead the charge in this space.
Though small, the exhibition brings out the most iconic of IKEA’s designs through the decades. You’ll instantly recognise the giant yellow and blue FRAKTA bags held up by HANDSKALAD wooden hands (yes, the ones with the middle finger usually taped up), the quirky charm of FINANSIELL horse figurines lined neatly on a BILLY bookcase, the stacked SAMLA boxes filled with a rainbow of cushions, kitchenware, and toys. Or maybe you’ll want to capture the playful spirit of the stuffed sharks and the graphic black-and-white dining room scene that feels like stepping into a Scandinavian comic strip. As someone who grew up with IKEA, it’s a visual feast that sparks memories and stirs a nostalgic warmth.
I admittedly visited the exhibition on a single-track mind—to bring home a Swedish meatball soft toy from the claw machine, that upon inverting would reveal either a FABLER BJÖRN teddy bear, DJUNGELSKOG orangutan, or BLÅHAJj shark bag charm. It was much harder than it looked, and out popped a meatball after many tries.
My favourite part was the playful living room and bedroom setups, where you can sit on the furniture and star in your version of a 2025 catalogue. IKEA catalogues bring back so many fun memories. They used to be a staple at home, the rare magazine I would browse from cover to cover, dreaming up future interiors. Sure, not all IKEA products are created equal. Still, over the years, the brand has come to embody democratic design, turning homes into cosy dwellings that can be accessible, stylish, functional, and fun simultaneously. From the customary “Hej!” to the reader-friendly typeface, IKEA remains a steadfast cultural phenomenon revolutionising how we live, laugh, and connect with others.
50 Years of Togetherness is on show at Tai Kwun from March 22 to May 12, 2025.
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