The Archive

What happens to all the small and large objects, props, and characters from previous exhibitions and performances here at Junibacken? Some of them return in new contexts, some end up in our dusty storage room, and some get to shine once again — here in The Archive. When you visit Junibacken, you can see the objects in real life in The Archive’s corner of the Bookshop. Welcome!

Stolen Goods – Monsters & Mysteires at junibacken, 2013

On October 17, 2013, the exhibition “Monsters & Mysteries at Junibacken” opened. It was based on Martin Widmark and Helena Willis’s book series about the detective duo LasseMaja’s Detective Agency, as well as Martin Widmark and Christina Alvner’s books about the monster agent Nelly Rapp. Visitors could crack the code to a bank vault, meet mummies in a museum, and slide down a church hill — all in an experience that was clever, mysterious, and just the right amount of spooky. Coveted gemstones and diamonds from Muhammed Karat’s jewelry store could also be found in the exhibition. And only now can we say that the mystery has been solved!

The Blackbird – The story of the little old man, 2017

On September 28, 2017, the theater production “The Story of the Little Old Man” premiered — an adaptation of Barbro Lindgren and Eva Eriksson’s book about loneliness, vulnerability, and the search for friendship. Alongside the obvious main characters — the little old man, the dog, and the girl — a special kind of bird plays an important role: the blackbird! And doesn’t it feel especially springlike and full of birdsong when Junibacken opens its collections and once again showcases this feathered extra from the performance?

Chips – Who's not cleaning? 2016

On Thursday, May 12, 2016, the theater production “Who’s not cleaning?” premiered — based on the book of the same name, written and illustrated by Stina Wirsén. In the play, we met a grumpy Mom and a grumpy Dad. Because even though it wasn’t a preschool day, and not a workday either, it apparently was a cleaning day. And who was it that ate chips and left crumbs in the bed even though it was cleaning day? Well, you’ll have to read the story to find out!

Dollan, Knutte, Raffe – Barbro Lindgren at Junibacken, 2017 

On April 7, 2017, the themed exhibition “Barbro Lindgren at Junibacken” was inaugurated with great fanfare. Here, visitors both young and old could explore an entirely new world built around some of Barbro Lindgren and Eva Eriksson’s most beloved books. Characters like Dollan, Knutte, and Raffe from Dollan’s Daycare lived in a giant dollhouse that visitors could rearrange and play in. Now, there’s a chance to rediscover the dolls once more. Come meet Knutte, Raffe, and Dollan at Junibacken!

Frank's costume – The monster and the humans, 2019

On September 19, 2019, “The Monster and the Humans” had its world premiere at Junibacken — a cozy yet spooky musical based on Mats Strandberg and Sofia Falkenhem’s book series. The story begins on the main character Frank’s ninth birthday, when something happens that changes his life forever. Alice’s dog Uffe, who lives next door, gets so excited that he accidentally bites Frank’s hand — and soon Frank begins to have mysterious dreams. This paw and these glasses were used as part of the costume in the production.

Potato peeler – Pettson gets christmas visitors, 2012

Since 2012, the Christmas gift of the year has, of course, been a potato peeler! For many years, the play “Pettson Gets Christmas Visitors” was performed annually at Junibacken. It depicts the Christmas preparations where the unexpected happens — Pettson slips and injures his foot! Christmas looks set to be a real disaster until he and the cat Findus receive a Christmas visit they could never have imagined. And, of course, there were plenty of hard-wrapped presents just in time for Christmas Eve!

Meatball – At Karlsson's place, The Story Train, 1996

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Fish – Poor Pettson, 2011

On December 1, 2011, the theater production “Poor Pettson” premiered at Junibacken. In this production, we met Old Man Pettson, who was in a bad mood and just wanted to be left alone. It was gray and cold outside, and nothing seemed fun. But the cat Findus wanted to play! To rock the chair, run around the kitchen, make noise, and go fishing! Findus knew that Pettson would be happy again if only he could persuade him to go on a fishing trip…

The King's Ruby – The magic hat, 2022

On October 14, 2022, “The Magic Hat” opened in the Pavilion at Junibacken. The exhibition was based on Tove Jansson’s book The Magician’s Hat and invited visitors to help Hemulen collect letters to place in a large hat. The letters then formed words — as if by pure magic! These words were names of objects, such as “panther” and “the King’s Ruby.” The corresponding objects appeared in the exhibition as the letter collection grew. You can now see the King’s Ruby again. Come along, come along, and take a look!

Åke – Avoiding the storage since 2020

Åke is something of a classic, appearing at Junibacken from time to time over the years — often around Halloween. And, to be honest, he’s pretty hard to get rid of… He thinks the season for ghosts and ghouls is far too short and dislikes being stuck in storage. But Åke does enjoy being where the action is! Sometimes he greets visitors at Junibacken’s entrance, other times he collects nightmares in the Pavilion. The question is: where will he show up next?

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