Since the opening of MUJI's flagship store on top of ILLUM in 2020 it has been a mission for the Japanese lifestyle brand to get involved in, and give back to, the local community. Therefore, the store has dedicated special days for local entrepreneurs and craftsmen to showcase their products and tell their stories to MUJI's customers. In the beginning of May two beehives moved into a new garden on top of ILLUM, which has been planned in collaboration with garden architect and writer Boe Sallingboe.
About the initiative Toshihiko Tanaka, Managing Director of MUJI Denmark ApS says:
The nonprofit social enterprise Bybi has existed since 2009. Today, the project has more than 150 bee colonies at 30 locations in and around Copenhagen as well as a range of activities with businesses, social projects, schools and cultural organisations. By making it intuitive to plant flowers when we eat honey, Bybi aims to contribute to a richer environment for people and pollinating insects alike.
In the beginning of May, the two new beehives move into a 40m2 large garden, which will be placed on top of ILLUM. The garden will be filled with Nordic herbs and plants creating a meadow from early spring to late autumn with a few plants sending a kind nod to the Japanese roots of MUJI such as the beautiful magnolia. It will be possible to study the beehives and the garden, when visiting MUJI on the 4th floor.
It is expected that MUJI Copenhagen Honey will be available from August 2021. The honey will be sold at MUJI's food department, which includes local - and Japanese specialties.