ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Cobe to transform IKEA warehouse into Museum of Furniture Studies in Älmhult

architecture-design · 2026-05-01

Cobe, a Danish architecture firm, has been selected to revamp a former IKEA warehouse in Älmhult, Sweden, turning it into the Museum of Furniture Studies. Previously located in Stockholm and now owned by IKEA, the museum aims to celebrate both historic and contemporary furniture design. Cobe's design retains the original steel framework, roof trusses, and concrete floors while adding three large windows and a new timber structure that includes a mezzanine and smaller rooms. The ground floor will have educational areas, exhibition spaces, and workshops, while the mezzanine will feature an open display of over 800 design pieces. A central 'canyon' area will host temporary exhibits, with the museum slated to open in early February 2027. Cobe's founder, Dan Stubbergaard, called it a 'precise transformation' focused on reusing materials. Jonatan Jahn, the head of collection, stated that the museum will be a hub for furniture design history, modern trends, and future generations.

Key facts

  • Cobe is converting an old IKEA warehouse in Älmhult, Sweden into the Museum of Furniture Studies.
  • The museum was previously located in Stockholm and recently acquired by IKEA.
  • The design retains the steel frame, roof trusses, and concrete floor of the existing warehouse.
  • Three large windows will be added to open up the facade.
  • A new timber structure will add a mezzanine level and smaller rooms.
  • The ground floor will have learning spaces, exhibition areas, and workshops.
  • The mezzanine will house an open collection of over 800 unique design objects.
  • A double-height central 'canyon' will hold temporary exhibitions.
  • The museum is set to open in early February 2027.
  • Cobe founder Dan Stubbergaard called it a 'precise transformation'.
  • Head of collection Jonatan Jahn said the museum will bring together furniture design history, contemporary scene, and future generations.

Entities

Artists

  • Dan Stubbergaard
  • Jonatan Jahn
  • Hans J Wegner

Institutions

  • Cobe
  • IKEA
  • Museum of Furniture Studies
  • Dezeen

Locations

  • Älmhult
  • Sweden
  • Stockholm

Sources