The Storybook Train has re-opened!

The Storybook Train has re-opened after three months of extensive technical renovation. The ride has been given a new control system, and the anteroom has been rebuilt to a certain extent, to make queuing more efficient during busy periods.

The Storybook Train, which takes visitors on a journey through six of Astrid Lindgren’s most deeply loved narratives, was created by illustrator Marit Törnqvist in the years from 1994 to 1996. Building the Storybook Train was an enormous project that involved over 50 puppet-makers, carpenters, props technicians, painters, etc. Marit Törnqvist worked in close collaboration with Astrid Lindgren during the complete building process.

“It was important not to skimp on the details, in order to even have a chance of doing justice to Astrid Lindgren’s work. This was a challenging task, given all of the images that had already been created in the minds of all her readers throughout the world. We wanted the visitors to feel that the presentation was innovative, while at the same time allowing them to feel at home in Astrid’s narratives. One example of the wealth of detail is that each of the hundreds of dolls has individually sculpted hands, rather than using a single mould,” says Marit Törnqvist, illustrator and creator of the Storybook Train.

“We estimate that the technical renovation has cost SEK 15 million, making it the largest investment ever carried out by Junibacken. It ensures that future generations of children will be able to experience this wonderful world that Marit Törnqvist and Astrid Lindgren created together,” says Kristina Axén Olin, Chair of Junibacken’s board.

The Storybook Train is based on the books about Mardie, Emil of Lönneberga, Karlsson on the Roof, Simon Small, Ronja the Robber’s Daughter and the Lionheart Brothers. The detailed tableaux are the same as those at the opening in 1996, but visitors will notice that the train ride itself progresses much more smoothly and quietly. The lighting has also been modernised and contributes to an even more intense experience than previously.

“...I just have to say, in case the whole world hasn’t already said it, that you have done a wonderful job. Everyone who visits is amazed that something like this exists, and I cannot think of any other children’s museum that even approaches what you have achieved at Junibacken. You have certainly created something that will stand the test of time.”

Astrid Lindgren writing about the Storybook Train in a letter to Marit Törnqvist, 4 February 1997.

Visitors who choose to take the Storybook Train in Swedish hear a text that was written and recorded by Astrid Lindgren herself. This was her last work. (Visitors who choose one of the 16 other languages available hear a translation of the same text.)