What happens to all the small and larger objects, gadgets, and characters from previous exhibitions and performances here at Junibacken? Some of them return in new contexts, some end up in our dusty storage, and some get to shine anew, here in The archive. When you visit Junibacken, you can see the items for real in The archive’s corner in the Bookstore. Welcome!
Stolen goods – Monsters & Mysteries at Junibacken, 2013
On October 17, 2013, the exhibition Monsters & Mysteries at Junibacken opened at Junibacken. It was based on Martin Widmark and Helena Willis' book series about the detective duo The JerryMaya Detective Agency, as well as Martin Widmark and Christina Alvner's books about the monster agent Nelly Rapp. It was tricky, mysterious, and just spooky enough to crack the code to a bank vault, get acquainted with mummies in the museum, and ride a slide down a church hill. 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 – Sagan om den lilla farbrorn, 2017
On September 28, 2017, the theater production Sagan om den lilla farbrorn premiered. It is an adaptation of Barbro Lindgren's and Eva Eriksson's book about loneliness, vulnerability, and the search for friendship. Alongside the obvious main characters – the uncle, the dog, and the girl – a special kind of bird plays an important role. Namely, the blackbird! And indeed, it feels extra spring-like and chirpy when Junibacken opens its collections and showcases this feathered extra from the performance again.
Chips – Vem städar inte? 2016
On Thursday, May 12, 2016, the theater performance Vem städar inte? based on the book of the same name written and illustrated by Stina Wirsén, premiered. In the performance, we met a grumpy Mom and a grumpy Dad. Because even though it wasn't a daycare day, nor a workday, it was apparently a cleaning day. Who was it that ate chips and crumbled in bed DESPITE it being a cleaning day? Well, you'll have to read that for yourselves!
Dollan, Knutte, Raffe – Barbro Lindgren at Junibacken, 2017
On April 7, 2017, the themed exhibition Barbro Lindgren at Junibacken was inaugurated at Junibacken with great pomp and circumstance. Here, both young and old had the opportunity to encounter a completely new world built around some of Barbro Lindgren and Eva Eriksson's most beloved books. The characters from Dollan, Knutte, and Raffe from Dollan's daycare resided in a LARGE dollhouse that visitors could rearrange and play with. Now there is a chance to rediscover the dolls. Meet Knutte, Raffe, and Dollan at Junibacken!
Frank's costume – Monstret och människorna, 2019
On September 19, 2019, The Monster and the Humans had its first performance premiere at Junibacken. A spooky musical based on Mats Strandberg and Sofia Falkenhem's book series. The story begins on the protagonist Frank's ninth birthday when something happens that changes his life. Neighbor Alice's dog Uffe gets so excited that he accidentally bites Frank in the hand, and soon Frank starts having mysterious dreams. This paw and these glasses were used as costumes in the performance.
The potato peeler – Findus at Christmas, 2012
The Christmas gift of the year since 2012 is, of course, a potato peeler! For many years, the play Findus at Christmas was performed as an annual tradition at Junibacken. It depicts the Christmas preparations where what should not happen does happen. Pettson slips and injures his foot! Christmas seems to be turning really miserable until he and the cat Findus receive a Christmas visit they could never have dreamed of. And, of course, the Christmas presents arrived just in time for Christmas Eve!
Meatball – Karlson's home, The Story Train 1996
You will find the meatball at Karlson's on the Roof, during the journey with the Story Train. The Story Train became the last text that Astrid Lindgren wrote, and we are so proud of the Story Train, which has been chugging along since 1996 at Junibacken. Illustrator Marit Törnqvist was given the honorary task and created the environments in close collaboration with Astrid. A project that took over two years to complete. In the book "The Story Journey," you will find Astrid's beautiful text and all the drawings that form the basis for the journey with The Story Train that you can experience at Junibacken.
Fish – Findus Goes Fishing, 2011
On December 1, 2011, the theater performance Findus Goes Fishing 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 felt enjoyable. But Findus the cat wanted to play! And rock on the chair. And run around in the kitchen. And make noise. And go fishing! Findus knew that Old Man Pettson would be happy again if he could just convince him to go fishing…
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 encouraged visitors to help Hemulen collect letters that were placed in a large hat. The letters then formed words, as if by pure magic! These words were names of things, such as "panther" and "the King's Ruby." Objects that later appeared in the exhibition as the collection of letters grew. You can now revisit the King's Ruby. Come, come and take a look!
Åke – Somewhat of a classic, avoiding the storage since 2020
Åke has appeared at Junibacken from time to time over the years. Especially around Halloween. And, to be completely honest, he's quite hard to get rid of… He thinks the season for ghosts and ghouls is too short, and he dislikes being in storage. However, Åke enjoys being where the action is! Sometimes he welcomes you at the entrance of Junibacken. Other times, he collects nightmares in the Pavilion. The question is, where will he show up next?