The Futuro House

The Futuro House was conceived by Matti Suuronen in 1968 as a "portable" ski chalet. It is an iconic piece of architecture and this site is devoted to documenting the history of the Futuro and the current status and whereabouts of the remaining examples.





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This Page | "Things Futuro"/Collectibles
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About "Things Futuro" | TheFuturoHouse.com Collection

Our interest in the Futuro House quickly became our passion for the Futuro House and eventually, perhaps some might say, our obsession with the Futuro House. We collect books, magazines, collectibles and other items that relate to the Futuro House in some way. As is the case with all collections it started off relatively small with easy to obtain pieces but over time it has become quite extensive and worthy of "Futuro Nuts".

The collection contains all manner of items from unique original pieces from the early days of Futuro through contemporary mass-produced items and everything in between. The collection currently (as of the date of the latest addition/update to this page) comprises 558 physical items plus 164 "digital" items (in particular digital copies of newspaper articles) and these pages are effectively the collection's "catalog".

Additional items can also be found in The Charles Cleworth Futuro House Archive and in several smaller collections and archives.

As is the case with most collectors we are always looking to add to this collection so if you have Futuro related items for sale or know of any Futuro items for sale please let us know.

A Few Notes Relating To This Collection
  • Out Of Date Item Descriptions: Item descriptions were accurate at the time collection items were acquired but may have become outdated since. In the event that information pertaining to an item has changed following the reference links in item descriptions will take you to pages where that updated information can be found.
  • Translation: There are a number of items in this collection in languages other than English. While Google Translate can be a valuable tool it is never as good as a true translation by a bi-lingual person. Such items will display a "Translate" icon. If you are able and would be willing to translate an item please click the "Translate" icon for that item to send an email requesting high res files for the purposes of translation. Thank you in advance for any help you can offer. You would receive full attribution for the translation along with a link to your own website (or other website of your choosing) and you would also have the satisfaction of knowing your are contributing to the Futuro knowledge store here on this website.
  • Copyright: These pages contain photographs of various books, magazines and other items in this collection. Many of these items, and certainly the majority of the books and magazines are subject to copyright and the images are deliberately of a fairly low resolution and are used here simply to catalogue this collection and to provide you with a glimpse of what you would be getting if you chose to follow a similar path to us and purchase any of these items for yourself. If you wish to display any of this subject matter on your own website or otherwise use it please respect the publishers copyright and purchase your own copy.
  • Amazon Links: These pages are not aimed at advertising and we are not trying to sell you anything. However, there are expenses with keeping up a website such as this and we spend a great deal of time researching and trying to maintain this site as the most up to date and complete Futuro House resource on the web. So if, and only if, you already intend to purchase for yourself something we have in this collection please consider using the links provided here to do so if the price is right (we strongly suggest exploring other online retailers as well before making a purchase; most of the links here are to Amazon and while their prices are almost always competitive they are not always the cheapest). Doing this will not increase your cost but it will earn us a small (and it is small) commission on the sale that will be put towards our recurring web hosting costs. You know what the proverbial "they" say - every little helps!
  • Item Loans: We have in the past loaned items to institutions for various exhibitions (details here) and, on a case by case basis, are prepared to do so again in the future. If you are interested in such a loan please contact us with details of the Institution and/or Exhibition making the inquiry, the dates the items would be required and which items you are interested in displaying.
Sections Of The Collection

Collectibles

Listed below are "collectibles" and other Futuro related items included in this collection. This section also acts as "catch all" for items that do not conveniently fit any of the other categories or which are of a type too few in numbers to justify creating a dedicated category page.

Latest Update(s)/Addition(s) ***
  1. Atlas - West Caucasus Mountains Hiking & Trekking 1:100000 | Purchased 120514
  2. 1970's Bayer Magazine Advertisement | Purchased 100317
  3. 1983 Photo/Tourist Booklet Including Dombai Futuro | Purchased 081916
  4. 2 Futuro House Models | Purchased 031619
  5. Badges - WeeGee Exhibition Souvenir Futuro Logo - Set Of Two | Purchased 070814
  6. Baseball Cap - Royse City Futuro | Received Aprik 2021
  7. Birthday Card - Milton Futuro - Photo & Card By Gary Knox | Received 101415
  8. Booklet - Aeroflot/Dombai Futuro | Purchased 121621
  9. Brochure - WeeGee Exhibition 2012 | Purchased 110912
  10. Brochure - WeeGee Exhibition 2012 - Finnish | Purchased 110912
  11. Brochure - WeeGee Exhibition & Events Fall 2014 - Finnish | Purchased 070814
  12. Brochure - WeeGee Exhibition & Events Spring 2015 | Purchased 062615
  13. Calendar - 1986 Dombai Futuro | Purchased 021420
  14. Calendar - 2000 Dombai Futuro | Purchased 020117
  15. *** Calendar - 2005 Dombai Futuro | Purchased 010723
  16. Calendar - 2009 Dombai Futuro | Purchased 081916
  17. Calendar - 2017 Dombai Futuro | Purchased 112421
  18. Calendar - 2020 Dombai Futuro | Purchased 081720
  19. Calendar - WeeGee Exhibition Center 2016 | Purchased 032118
  20. Checkers Set - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 110917
  21. Company Publication - Kaiser News - "The Markets Of Change" - #2 1970 | Purchased 020117
  22. Cutting Board - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 112421
  23. Decal - Lahnajärvi Futuro | Purchased 081720
  24. Decal - Lahnajärvi Futuro | Purchased 081720
  25. Desk Embosser - Futuro Corporation Of Colorado | Received 060315
  26. Flyer - 2014/15 Exhibition Commemorating The Expo '70 Osaka World Fair - Japanese | Purchased 041915
  27. Flyer - Die Neue Sammlung Exhibition: A Flying Saucer In Town 2017 | Purchased 110118
  28. Flyer - Ghent Design Museum Exhibition 2002 - Dutch | Purchased 083113
  29. Flyer - Monumentenstrijd 2006 "Vote For FuturoHuis" | Received 052221
  30. Flyer - Vision & Reality: Conceptions Of The 20th Century - 092100 thru 011401 | Received 052221
  31. Flyer - WeeGee Exhibition Center 2012 | Purchased 122312
  32. Flyer - WeeGee Exhibition Center 2014 | Purchased 070814
  33. Futuro House Model/Accent Lamp | Received 012122
  34. Greeting Card - New Home | Purchased 051022
  35. Guitar Pick - CD Ωne By Bruce Stringer | Received 072215
  36. Invitation - Opening Of IKA Exhibition, Lüdenscheid on 080171 | Purchased 081916
  37. Key Chains - Dombai Futuro - Set Of Two | Purchased 082214
  38. Key Fobs - WeeGee Exhibition Center Souvenir Futuro Logo - Set Of Four | Purchased 112119
  39. Lapel Pin - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 091716
  40. Lapel Pin - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 020117
  41. Lapel Pin - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 060318
  42. Lapel Pin - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 100618
  43. Make-Up Bag - WeeGee Exhibition Center Souvenir Futuro Logo | Purchased 112119
  44. Matchbook Cover Proof - Kitset Homes | Purchased 042121
  45. Matchbox - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 122312
  46. Matchbox - Lahnajärvi Futuro | Purchased 032118
  47. Matchbox Label - Lahnajärvi Futuro | Purchased 110515
  48. Matchbox Label - Lahnajärvi Futuro | Purchased 122217
  49. Matchboxes - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 092420
  50. Mug - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 081720
  51. Mug - WeeGee Exhibition Center Souvenir Futuro Logo | Purchased 070814
  52. Patch - Lahnajärvi Futuro - Mounted On Contemporary Purse | Received 100715
  53. Patch - Lahnajärvi Futuro - Printed On Linen | Purchased 081720
  54. Pennant - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 041619
  55. Pennant - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 073122
  56. Pennant - Lahnajärvi Futuro | Purchased 010218
  57. Pennant - Lahnajärvi Futuro - Mounted On Contemporary Wallet | Purchased 110615
  58. Pennant - Lahnajärvi Futuro - Mounted In Contemporary Picture Frame | Purchased 110615
  59. Plastic Photo Cube - 1970's? | Purchased 122312
  60. Playing Cards - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 022217
  61. Poster - Die Neue Sammlung Exhibition: A Flying Saucer In Town 2017 | Purchased 031122
  62. Poster - Pictorial News Of The Day 102572 Featuring The Todmorden Futuro | Purchased 082720
  63. Program - 2006 Belgian Film Festival | Purchased 080313
  64. "Puzzle" Coasters - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 112421
  65. Refrigerator Magnet - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 092813
  66. Refrigerator Magnet - Dombai Futuro - Ceramic | Received 012122
  67. Refrigerator Magnet - Dombai Futuro - Metal | Purchased 021817
  68. Refrigerator Magnet - Dombai Futuro - Metal | Purchased 020720
  69. Refrigerator Magnet - Dombai Futuro - Plastic | Purchased 020615
  70. Refrigerator Magnet - Dombai Futuro - Plastic | Purchased 113016
  71. Refrigerator Magnet - Dombai Futuro - Plastic & Wood | Purchased 112421
  72. Refrigerator Magnet - Dombai Futuro - Set Of Five | Purchased 082214
  73. Refrigerator Magnet - Dombai Futuro - Set Of Two - Plastic & Canvas | Purchased 020615
  74. Refrigerator Magnet - Dombai Futuro - Vinyl | Purchased 112421
  75. Refrigerator Magnet - Dombai Futuro - Vinyl | Purchased 112421
  76. Refrigerator Magnet - WeeGee Exhibition Center Futuro House Logo | Purchased 070814
  77. Report - Project "Commune" UK Futuro 2017 | Received 021519
  78. Selection Of Teas From Dombai | Purchased 112421
  79. Shopping Bag - Dombai Futuro - Canvas | Purchased 112421
  80. Shopping Bag - WeeGee Exhibition Center Souvenir Futuro Logo - Canvas 2018 | Received 070919
  81. Shopping Bag - WeeGee Exhibition Center Souvenir Futuro Logo - Paper 2019 | Purchased 112119
  82. Shopping Bag - WeeGee Exhibition Center Souvenir Futuro Logo - Canvas 2019 | Purchased 112119
  83. Souvenir Coin - Dombai Futuro - Metal Two-Tone | Purchased 010915
  84. Souvenir Coin - Dombai Futuro - Metal Single-Tone | Purchased 011615
  85. Souvenir Coins - Dombai Futuro - Metal Single-Tone Set Of Five | Purchased 021015
  86. Souvenir Pen - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 062921
  87. T-Shirt - Halinga, Estonia Futuro 1997 | Received 070919
  88. T-Shirt - Lazy Habits / Vermillion Sands | Purchased 051022
  89. T-Shirt - WeeGee Exhibition Center Souvenir Futuro Logo | Received 062615
  90. TeaTowel - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 041619
  91. TeaTowel - Nelson Futuro | Purchased 011319
  92. Tray - WeeGee Exhibition Center Souvenir Futuro Logo | Purchased 111416
  93. UK National Archives FCO File WRM 6/548/1 (Finland: Economic Affairs: UK: Finnfocus - 68) | Purchased 041814
  94. USB Key - Lazy Habits / Vermillion Sands | Purchased 051022
  95. Vintage Photographic Printing Plate Of Iconic Futuro #001 Hirvensalmi Image | Purchased 032416

West Caucasus Mountains Atlas | Purchased 120514

West Caucasus Mountains AtlasWe cannot read the text of this atlas which is in Russian but the E-Bay listing for it was in English and it was described as "West Caucasus Mountains 1:100 000 atlas trekking hiking map Elbrus Dombay 2007".

The listing indicated that it covered the western Russian part of the Caucasus from the Black Sea (near Sochi) to around 30 km east of Elbrus.

The atlas contains 42 1:100000 pages as well as additional pages at a different scale covering the Krasnaya Polyana area (1:30000) and the Dombai area (1:25000)

We are probably more likely to win the lottery than ever hike in the West Caucasus Mountains but, since it has a photo that includes the Dombai Futuro on the cover, this small 48 page atlas earns a place in this collection. There is no mention (that we can identify) of the Futuro inside the atlas.

2 Futuro House Models | Purchased 031619

These two small printed Futuro models are 7¾ inches in diameter. Finishing them will be a future project, the white one needs the windows cut out and those on the orange one need to be cleaned up, the door needs to be attached to the orange one and both need sanding and painting among other things. Given the amount of time the "day job" takes up this could be a project that waits a long while.

2 Printed Futuro Models

WeeGee Exhibition Futuro Badges | Purchased 070814

These are yet more items collected during our visit to Espoo and the WeeGee Exhibition Center in July 2014. Here we have two plastic lapel badges in the form of the WeeGee Exhibition Center Futuro Logo.

Wright Auction - Modernist 20th Century - 120504 - Catalog Cover

Wright Auction - Modernist 20th Century - 120504 - Lot 369

WeeGee Exhibition Brochure 2012 | Purchased 110912

Futuro #001 spent most of its life in Hirvensalmi, Finland on the property of entertainer Matti Kuusla. In 2011 the Futuro was purchased by The WeeGee Exhibition Center in Espoo, Finland and restored. The Futuro was open to the public through the summer of 2012 (050812 through 091612) and the intention is that it will remain with the Exhibition Center and be open to the public each summer. This is an original English language version of a flyer for the exhibition in the summer of 2012. A Finnish language version of this flyer can be found here.

Photos on the flyer include the Futuros located in Hirvensalmi (now Espoo), Dombai and Luumäki (now almost certainly the unit located in Pöytyä).

WeeGee Exhibition Brochure 2012 Outside

WeeGee Exhibition Brochure 2012 Inside

WeeGee Exhibition & Events Brochure | Purchased 070814

Collected during our visit to Espoo and the WeeGee Exhibition Center in July 2014 this is a WeeGee Exhibition Center Brochure detailing Exhibitions & Events for the Fall 2014 season. The Cover features a photo of the Futuro and on the back are the details of the Futuro Exhibit along with another Futuro photo. Futuro #001 is open to the public until 090714 at which time the exhibit will be closed until summer 2015.

WeeGee Exhibition Center - Exhibition & Events Program Brochure - Fall 2014 - Front

WeeGee Exhibition Center - Exhibition & Events Program Brochure - Fall 2014 - Back

2000 Wallet Calendar | Purchased 020117

This 2000 wallet or pocket features a photo of the Dombai Futuro. Though the calendar is for the year 2000 there is no indication as to whether the photo on the front is from 2000 or some earlier date.

2000 Wallet Calendar Featuring Dombai Futuro - Photo

2000 Wallet Calendar Featuring Dombai Futuro - Calendar

2016 WeeGee Calendar | Purchased 032118

This 2016 WeeGee Exhibition Center calendar features Futuro #001 on the Toukokuu (May) page.

2016 WeeGee Exhibition Center Calendar Front

2016 WeeGee Exhibition Center Calendar Futuro

Kaiser News 1970 | Purchased 020117

Kaiser News described itself as being "published by the Kaiser Aluminum and Chemicals Corporation as a kind of exploration of significant subjects for its friends throughout the world".

This particular issue, "Shelter: The cave Re-Examined - Number Two Of "The Markets Of Change" Series", was published in 1970. A section titled "The Shape Of Things To Come?" on page 27 includes the Futuro among three structures described. There is also a photo of Futuro #001 which was located in Hirvensalmi at the time.

The publication itself is interesting in that it is to of a much higher quality than we believe any company would publish these days; it is printed on very high quality, heavy stock and the front cover is even embossed.

Kaiser News - The Markets Of Change Series - Number 2 1970 - Front

Kaiser News - The Markets Of Change Series - Number 2 1970 - Page 27

Osaka Expo '70 Commemorative | Purchased 041915

TranslateThis is a two-sided flyer for an exhibition that ran 100414 through 011215 in Osaka, Japan that commemorated Expo '70, a World's Fair held in Osaka in 1970. Though the exhibition did not include a Futuro (and we have no evidence to indicate that a Futuro House was exhibited at the original Expo '70 either) the flyer includes a photo of the Maebashi Futuro.

The flyer is in Japanese so we have no idea what it actually says but as best we can tell from the limited information we have the recent exhibition featured artifacts from Expo '70 along with exhibits relating to iconic 70's designs that were showcased at Expo '70.

It is quite possible that Expo '70 included materials related to the Futuro but, as stated earlier, there is no evidence we have come across to indicate a Futuro itself was exhibited. Furthermore the two Futuro's known to have been exported to Japan were not manufactured until 1972 according to Matti Suuronen's Futuro CV. In the end the extent to which Futuro can be related to Expo '70 or the 2014/15 commemorative exhibition is unknown and this flyer earns a place in this collection simply because it features a photo of a Futuro.

Flyer For 2014/15 Exhibition Commemorating Expo '70 Osaka - 1

Flyer For 2014/15 Exhibition Commemorating Expo '70 Osaka - 2

Ghent Design Museum Flyer 2002 | Purchased 083113

TranslateThe Design Museum in Ghent, Belgium held an exhibition titled "From Bakelite To Composite" at the end of 2002. The exhibition ran from 110902 through 022303 and is described on the Museum's website as:

"... an exhibition about the history and development of the use of fibre reinforced materials in consumer products and the influence of composites on the evolution of design in the second half of the twentieth century.

There was no actual Futuro displayed at the exhibition (at least as far as we can ascertain) but nevertheless a photo of the Futuro House dominates this small "four-fold" flyer for the exhibition. The Futuro House also appears in the book "From Bakelite To Composite" which was inspired by the exhibition.

The text on the flyer is in Dutch so we cannot read it and we have added it to our growing list of things we need to get translated.

First Day Cover

WeeGee Exhibition Center Flyer 2012 | Purchased 122312

Futuro #001 spent most of its life in Hirvensalmi, Finland on the property of entertainer Matti Kuusla. In 2011 the Futuro was purchased by The WeeGee Exhibition Center in Espoo, Finland and restored. The Futuro was open to the public through the summer of 2012 (050812 through 091612) and the intention is that it will remain with the Exhibition Center and be open to the public each summer. This is an original of a small flyer for the exhibition in the summer of 2012 carrying both Finnish and English text.

Photos on the flyer include the Futuros located in Hirvensalmi (now Espoo) and Dombai.

WeeGee 2012 Flyer Front

WeeGee 2012 Flyer Back

Promotional Guitar Pick | Purchased 072215

Promotional Guitar Pick For Bruce Stringer CD - ΩneAustralian musician Bruce Stringer based the artwork for his current CD, Ωne, on photos shot at Wanli.

Recently Bruce very kindly sent us this promotional guitar pick along with a copy of the CD. In addition Bruce sent us the set of photos shot at Wanli from which the CD artwork was derived; the photos can be found on the Wanli page. Thanks Bruce.

Dombai Futuro Key Chains | Purchased 082214

This is a set of two key chains featuring the Dombai Futuro purchased from this Russian website.

Set Of Five Dombai Futuro Refrigerator Magnets

Souvenir Lapel Pin | Purchased 091716

Dombai PinThere seem to be more collectibles and souvenirs, both vintage and contemporary, featuring the Dombai Futuro than any other Futuro, at least based on the research we have done while assembling this collection. This lapel pin is one such item.

Presumably manufactured as a tourist souvenir this lapel pin is small (only 1.05 inches by 0.65 inches) and light. The pin features a Futuro and the text:

ДОМБАИ - ТУРИСТСКАЯ ИЗБА

which, according to Google, translates to "Dombai - Tourist Hut".

Three other Dombai metal/enamel souvenir lapel pins can be found in this collection here, here and here.

Dombai Souvenir Lapel Pin | Purchased 100618

This souvenir metal/enamel lapel pin features the Dombai Futuro. There is no indication of when it was made though the condition is extremely good so it is quite likely a recently manufactured item.

Three other Dombai metal/enamel souvenir lapel pins can be found in this collection here, here and here.

Souvenir Lapel Pin Featuring The Dombai Futuro

Souvenir Lapel Pin Featuring The Dombai Futuro

Vintage Lahnajärvi Matchbox | Purchased 032118

Vintage Lahnajärvi Futuro MatchboxThe label on this vintage matchbox carries the text Lahnajärven Lentävä Lautanen or, according to Google Translate, Lahnajärvi Flying Saucer and thus clearly references Futuro #002 (now of course located in Matsalu, Estonia) during the time it was located at a Gas Station/Rest Stop in Lahnajärvi back in the early 1970's.

There are actually two different versions of the label on this matchbox which are also a part of this collection; they can be seen here and here.

Vintage Lahnajärvi Matchbox Label | Purchased 110515

Vintage Lahnajärvi Futuro Match Box LabelThis is a vintage Match Box label that carries the text Lahnajärven Lentävä Lautanen or, according to Google Translate, Lahnajärvi Flying Saucer and clearly references the Matsalu Futuro which was located in Lahnajärvi "back in the day".

The label is affixed to a piece of paper with "torn edges". Our best guess is that it was mounted to some kind of paper as part of a collection of such labels but that is just conjecture.

The other text we believe references that the business being "advertised" is a Grill/Restaurant and the average contents of the Match Box itself (50).

This is one of two versions of this label in this collection. The other, which can be found here, does not have the text found in the white borders at the top and bottom of the label. A matchbox that carries this label can also be found in this collection here.

Futuro House Logo Mug | Purchased 070814

Futuro House Logo Mug - WeeGee Exhibition ShopAs a collector of "things Futuro" it was inevitable that on a visit to Espoo and the WeeGee Exhibition Center we would visit the gift shop.

There we found a number of Futuro related items and , of course, they had to be added to this collection. In this case we have a coffee mug showcasing the WeeGee Futuro logo.

Vintage Pennant/Contemporary Wallet | Purchased 110615

Vintage Lahnajärvi Futuro Pennant On Contemporary WalletWe recently acquired a vintage Futuro patch mounted on a contemporary purse in a trade with another Futuro enthusiast/collector.

With a little research we tracked down the original source of the item (Ateljee Agami & Butik) and found a couple of other items also related to the Matsalu Futuro during its time on Lake Lahnajärvi.

This particular item is a vintage pennant mounted on a contemporary wallet. Like the patch it carries the text Lahnajärven Lentävä Lautanen or, according to Google Translate, Lahnajärvi Flying Saucer and thus clearly references the Matsalu Futuro which was located in Lahnajärvi "back in the day".

Dombai Futuro Pennant | Purchased 041619

This 6½" by 4" Pennant features the Dombai Futuro and a skiing scene.We have no idea of its age or how common an item it is.

Pennant Featuring Dombai Futuro

Framed Vintage Futuro Pennant | Purchased 110615

Vintage Lahnajärvi Futuro Pennant On Contemporary WalletClearly based on these pages we can be considered "collectors" of "Things Futuro". The collector "bug" is an interesting thing. We just added a small vintage pennant mounted on a contemporary wallet related to the Matsalu Futuro during its time on Lake Lahnajärvi to this collection.

This item is actually the same pennant mounted in a contemporary picture frame so many might consider it a "duplicate" item.

For us it is an interesting alternative presentation of the pennant and so we added this item to this collection.

The pennant carries the text Lahnajärven Lentävä Lautanen or, according to Google Translate, Lahnajärvi Flying Saucer and thus clearly references the Matsalu Futuro which was located in Lahnajärvi "back in the day".

Dombai Futuro Playing Cards | Purchased 022217

Playing Card Deck - Dombai Futuro - BoxThis small deck of playing cards (approximately 3½" x 2¼" in size) features three different photos of the Dombai Futuro.

The photos appear on the box, the ten of spades and the ten of diamonds.

There is no indication of the date of manufacture but both the box and the cards are in almost mint condition and it seems likely this is a contemporary tourist souvenir.

Playing Card Deck - Dombai Futuro - Ten Of Diamonds

Playing Card Deck - Dombai Futuro - Ten Of Spades

Dombai Futuro Refigerator Magnet | Purchased 092813

We found this refrigerator magnet featuring the Dombai Futuro on E-Bay; there were actually a couple of listings. We have no idea if this is a current "souvenir" from the area or something from the past.

The magnet is actually rather small (in fact much smaller than the photo) measuring only 2.5 by 1.75 inches.

We would be interested to hear if anyone knows if this is recent or old; if you are able to help please let us know.

Dombai Futuro - Refrigerator Magnet

Dombai Futuro Refigerator Magnet | Purchased 020615

This 4" by 2¾" plastic refrigerator magnet features the Dombai Futuro.

Dombai Futuro Refrigerator Magnet

Dombai Futuro Refigerator Magnets | Purchased 082214

This is a set of five refrigerator magnets featuring the Dombai Futuro purchased from this Russian website.

Set Of Five Dombai Futuro Refrigerator Magnets

Research Project Report - Commune | Received 021519

Commune Report - CoverIn April 2017 the UK Futuro, located at the time on the third floor terrace of the University of the Arts London's Central St Martins' building, hosted a project entitled "Commune".

This booklet, published after the completion of the project, describes it as:

"an invitation to explore a collective approach to generating ideas about the future by living differently for 4 days, 6 hours and 45 minutes: the period of time it took Apollo 11 to reach the moon."

We are often challenged in "getting" art and based on this booklet and its photos this is probably no exception but then art is subjective and we all see something different. Craig Barnes, owner of the Futuro sent us this copy of the report - thanks Craig.

Commune Report - Interior Pages - 1

Commune Report - Interior Pages - 2

Commune Report - Interior Pages - 3

Commune Report - Interior Pages - 4

Commune Report - Interior Pages - 5

Commune Report - Interior Pages - 6

Futuro T-Shirt, Halinga, Estonia 1977 | Received 070919

The Matsalu Futuro was previously located in Halinga, Estonia. This T-Shirt was available from a local shopping center in Halinga during the time the Futuro was located in the area. It dates from 1997 and was very kindly sent to us by Marko Home; thanks Marko.

Futuro T-Shirt - Halinga Estonia 1997

Dombai Futuro Tea-Towel | 041619

This 27½" by 19" Tea-Towel includes the Dombai Futuro among a number of other Dombai area landmarks that surround a skiing scene. There is no indication of its age and we have no idea if it is a mass produced souvenir or a less common item.

Tea-Towel Featuring Dombai Futuro

Futuro House Logo Tray | 111416

This small (10¾" x 7½") tray, the newest Futuro souvenir item from the WeeGee Exhibition Center (home of the perfectly restored Futuro #001), features the WeeGee Futuro logo.

WeeGee Exhibition Center Futuro House Logo Tray

Vintage Photographic Printing Plate | 032416

This recent addition to our collection of "Things Futuro" is probably the most unusual and perhaps unique to date. It is a metal photographic printing plate that features an iconic image of Futuro #001 in Hirvensalmi, Finland in the very late 1960's. According to the seller the plate came from the old Oy Polykem Ab factory around 15 years or so ago. The plate carries no identifying marks and is approximately 8¼" x 5¼" in size.

Futuro #001 Hirvensalmi - Vintage Metal Photographic Printing Plate - Front

Futuro #001 Hirvensalmi - Vintage Metal Photographic Printing Plate - Back

Futuro Logo Make-Up Bag | Purchased 112119

There are many suppliers of mass market Futuro "souvenir" items, primarily web based companies providing a service whereby a "seller" uploads a photo which can then be applied to any manner of objects turning them into "Futuro" items for sale (some examples are Zazzle, Cafe Press and Red Bubble.

We do not typically purchase such items for our collection; there would be way too many for starters and it would cost too much but, more importantly, we really do not consider such mass produced items to be true "Futuro items".

That said the WeeGee Exhibition Center sells a small number of Futuro Logo souvenirs and from time to time adds new items.

WeeGee is of course the home of the impeccably restored Futuro #001 and the Futuro World Exhibition and we consider them to be the "de facto" supplier of contemporary Futuro souvenirs and so we make an exception and normally like to add items produced by WeeGee to our collection.

Here we have a make-up bag featuring the WeeGee Exhibition Center Futuro logo multiple times that was recently added to the WeeGee collection of items.

WeeGee Futuro Logo Make-Up Bag

Futuro Logo Canvas Shopping Bag 2019 | Purchased 112119

There are many suppliers of mass market Futuro "souvenir" items, primarily web based companies providing a service whereby a "seller" uploads a photo which can then be applied to any manner of objects turning them into "Futuro" items for sale (some examples are Zazzle, Cafe Press and Red Bubble.

We do not typically purchase such items for our collection; there would be way too many for starters and it would cost too much but, more importantly, we really do not consider such mass produced items to be true "Futuro items".

That said the WeeGee Exhibition Center sells a small number of Futuro Logo souvenirs and from time to time adds new items.

WeeGee is of course the home of the impeccably restored Futuro #001 and the Futuro World Exhibition and we consider them to be the "de facto" supplier of contemporary Futuro souvenirs and so we make an exception and normally like to add items produced by WeeGee to our collection.

This new item from the WeeGee Exhibition Center collection is a nice black canvas shopping bag featuring the WeeGee Exhibition Center Futuro logo.

WeeGee Futuro Logo Canvas Shopping Bag

2020 Refrigerator Calendar | Purchased 081720

This small (3 ½" square) 2020 calendar features a photo of the Dombai Futuro on the page for March. There is a small magnet on the back suggesting it was designed to be used on a refrigerator.

Refrigerator Calendar - 2020 - Dombai Futuro - Cover

Refrigerator Calendar - 2020 - Dombai Futuro - March

Lahnajärvi Futuro Decal | Purchased 081720

This 3" by 3 ½" decal depicts the Matsalu Futuro during its time in Lahnajärvi. The decal carries the text Lahnajärven Lentävä Lautanen or, according to Google Translate, Lahnajärvi Flying Saucer.

The backing paper clearly identifies this as a souvenir item as it carries the text "Tarramerkki - Muistoksi Matkalta" or, per Google Translate, "Sticker - To Commemorate The Trip".

Lahnajärvi Decal

Pictorial News Of The Day Poster | Purchased 082720

This rather cool 14" by 17" "PNI" or "Pictorial News Of The Day" poster dates from 102572 and was published by Eljay Industries, Inc. of New York.

The poster is titled "The Egg-Shaped Home" and features a photo of the Futuro manufactured by Waterside Plastics and located in Todmorden, UK in the early 1970's along with a short description. The name "Futuro" is not used and though the location is identified at Yorkshire Todmorden specifically is not mentioned.

Interesting to note the mention of difficulty in obtaining planning permission for units; one of the many reasons for the ultimate failure of Futuro.

We have so far been unable to find anything about Eljay Industries, Inc. or its "PNI" series though we believe that the posters were intended to be used in the store window of a pharmacy/general store. They featured interesting photo news items and listed a "news flash" at the bottom of the paper with a "call to action" suggesting that the reader could get more details by consulting their local newspaper. Presumably the intent of the posters was as "advertising" intended to sell newspapers.

PNI Poster 102572 - Todmorden Futuro

Kitset Homes Matchbook Cover Proof | Purchased 042121

Kitset Homes Matchbook Cover ProofIt is often difficult to determine exactly what companies were actually licensed to manufacture and/or distribute Futuros and it seems that often there were multiple levels of licensing in place.

In researching the entry for the Thames Futuro on the "Lost Souls" page quite some time ago we came across a photo of a Matchbook that was posted to the Thames NZ: Genealogy & History Facebook Page (no longer accessible - pdf here) which shows a Futuro, referred to as the "Home Of The Future", that was presumably manufactured and/or for sale by Kitset Homes of Thames

Recently we came across this Proof of the cover of that very same Matchbook cover on E-Bay and of course it had to be added to this collection.

We do not know a great deal about Kitset Homes; what we do know can be found on the "Concept, Design & Manufacturing" page here.

Monumentenstrijd 2006 Flyer | Received 052221

The Futuro currently located in Limni, Corfu previously spent time in Belgium and was one of the entries in Belgian broadcaster VRT's project Monumentenstrijd in 2006 (translates to "Battle Monument" we believe). The project could be described this way:
  • The project revolved around the award of funds to the "winner" of a selection of architecturally significant sites in Belgium for the restoration of said site.
  • There were initially over 400 sites submitted for consideration.
  • 30 "finalists" were chosen from the 400 + by a selection panel.
  • The Futuro located in Tildonk (Haacht) was one of the 30 finalists.
  • The overall winner and the recipient of the prize would be chosen by public voting.
This single page flyer was encouraging folks to vote for the Futuro and "and breathe new life into this monument". It is printed on low quality paper and the printing is not the greatest so it seems likely to us it was a local attempt to "drum up support" for the Futuro. There is some text redacted on the flyer; not sure what that is all about.

Unfortunately the flyer was not enough to help secure the votes to get the Futuro past the finish line; while it was a finalist it did not win.

The photo with the wheels is interesting; we had seen it before and it always seemed very odd to us but back in 2017 Norton Cooper provided us with what seemed like a logical explanation for the photo. Norton told us that:

"In Belgium there is a law stating that if a light building with no foundations has wheels mounted to move it, you don't require any permit, and you can place that building anywhere, even on a non-constructible piece of land. That's why you often see large bungalows built on a light metal frame with ridiculously small wheels that wouldn't even stand a fraction of the weight of the building above that is not even supported by the wheels, but by supports on the corners. These buildings are considered as caravans. Without wheels, the Futuro House (in the photo) couldn't have been erected where it stood."

More information on this Futuro's time in Belgium can be found here.

Monumentenstrijd 2006 Vote For FuturoHuis Flyer

Baseball Cap - Royse City Futuro | Received Aprik 2021

Dombai PinThis rather cool baseball cap features the Royse City Futuro.

The cap was produced by Smoak Town BBQ who are located right by the Royse City Futuro. They kindly sent us one of the caps for our collection; thank you so much guys!

We have not been to visit the Futuro since the Smoak Town folks appeared but will be absolutely sure to check that they will be open the next time we take a trip out there as their food looks great and gets first class reviews.

Dombai Futuro Refigerator Magnet | Purchased 112421

This collection includes quite a few Dombai Futuro souvenirs and here we have another example; a 2¾" by 4" vinyl refrigerator magnet.

Dombai Futuro Refrigerator Magnet

Dombai Futuro Calendar - 2017 | Purchased 112421

This 2017 calendar features a photo of the Dombai Futuro on the February Page.

2017 Dombai Futuro Calendar

2017 Dombai Futuro Calendar

Selection Of Teas From Dombai | Purchased 112421

The packaging for this souvenir selection of teas features the Dombai Futuro. We will likely just keep them as is and not try them.

Dombai Tea Selection 1

Dombai Tea Selection 2

Aeroflot Booklet / Dombai Futuro | Purchased 121621

This 7.9" by 7.25" 12 page Aeroflot tourist booklet features a great photo of the Dombai Futuro on the cover.

The booklet does not however make any mention the Futuro inside and there are no additional photos.

There is also a version of this booklet in English (photos can be found on Instagram here) and thanks to that we know that the heading on the cover reads "Northern Caucasus" and that interior pages provide photos, descriptions and tourist information relating to that area.

There is no indication of how old the booklet is but whenever it was published we think it was likely something distributed on board Aeroflot flights based on the message found on the final interior page which reads:

"Aeroflot, the world's biggest air company, will make your trip to the snow-white summits of the Caucasus a real pleasure. Welcome to the flight."

If anyone is aware of or hears about a copy of the English version for sale anywhere we would really appreciate you letting us know.

Dombai Futuro - Aeroflot Booklet

Futuro House Model/Accent Lamp | Received 012122

This truly amazing 1/32 scale model that doubles as a multi functional accent lamp is one of our most favorite Futuro items.

The model is #2 of a limited edition of 10 pre-production prototypes/samples of a product currently in development (as of the time of writing 012522) by Wololow; a Kickstarter campaign will be launched sometime in the first part of 2022. More details can be found on the Wololow website. You can stay "in the know" and get updates and information by signing up for our mailing list or visiting Wololow.com and signing up for the newsletter there (or both!).

The video and photos below really do not do the model justice but they do give a hint of the quality and functionality of the model.

The model allows the selection of seven colors or can be set to cycle through them all as can be seen in the video. Interestingly the video footage suggests the windows are always the same color and the changing light is seen only in the ambient light around the lamp, this is actually not the case and the changing colors are clear and distinct in the windows as they cycle (this was not at all by design and even after several attempts trying for some reason it turned out this way)

The first of the photos was shot in normal daytime lighting and it clearly shows reflections on the surface of the model which illustrate the high quality finish of the model.



Futuro House Model/Accent Lamp 1

Futuro House Model/Accent Lamp 2

T-Shirt - Lazy Habits / Vermillion Sands | Purchased 051022

The video for CTRL, the first single taken from the 3rd album, Vermillion Sands, by UK based band Lazy Habits, was shot (at least in part) at Wanli and to go along with the video the band also created a couple of collectible pieces that features Futuro iconography that included this t-shirt.

T-Shirt - Lazy Habits / Vermillion Sands - Front

T-Shirt - Lazy Habits / Vermillion Sands - Back

Dombai Futuro Pennant | Purchased 041619

This 6" by 8½" Pennant features the Dombai Futuro and a skiing scene. We have no idea of its age or how common an item it is though it is a little stained and dirty and looks like it might be somewhat old.

Pennant Featuring Dombai Futuro

1970's Bayer Magazine Advertisement | Purchased 100317

1970's Framed Bayer Magazine AdvertisementThis framed German magazine ad dates from sometime in the early 1970's though we have no idea of the exact date or in what publication (or publications) it appeared.

The ad is actually for the German company Bayer rather than for the Futuro.

The ad uses the Futuro as an example of the type of futuristic construction that could be accomplished using materials manufactured by Bayer. The final sentence of the text reads, according to Google Translate "Chemistry - the realm of unlimited possibilities".

1983 Photo/Tourist Booklet | Purchased 081916

This 1983 Photo/Tourist booklet comprises four sets of photos (Dombai, Teberda, Arkhyz and Elbrus as reflected on the cover and translated by Google). The Dombai section contains a photo of the Dombai Futuro.

1983 Photo Booklet - Dombai - Front

1983 Photo Booklet - Dombai - Back

Futuro Birthday Card | Received 101415

Gary Knox was kind enough to send us this Futuro birthday card which features a photo of the Milton Futuro; thanks Gary.

Both the photo and the card are by Gary and for anyone who might like a card for a collection or perhaps even to use as a birthday card they can be obtained from Gary's business Forney's Too Ltd., Unique Gifts & Accessories for $4.00 plus 49 cents postage (102 W. Loockerman St., Dover, DE 19904 - 302 734 2425).

Birthday Card Featuring Milton Futuro - Photo & Card By Gary Knox

Birthday Card Featuring Milton Futuro - Photo & Card By Gary Knox

WeeGee Exhibition Brochure 2012 | Purchased 110912

Futuro #001 spent most of its life in Hirvensalmi, Finland on the property of entertainer Matti Kuusla. In 2011 the Futuro was purchased by The WeeGee Exhibition Center in Espoo, Finland and restored. The Futuro was open to the public through the summer of 2012 (050812 through 091612) and the intention is that it will remain with the Exhibition Center and be open to the public each summer. This is an original Finnish language version of a flyer for the exhibition in the summer of 2012. An English language version of this flyer can be found here.

Photos on the flyer include the Futuros located in Hirvensalmi (now Espoo), Dombai and Luumäki (now almost certainly the unit located in Pöytyä).

WeeGee Exhibition Brochure 2012 Outside

WeeGee Exhibition Brochure 2012 Inside

WeeGee Exhibition Brochure 2015 | Purchased 062615

The WeeGee Exhibition Center in Espoo, Finland is home to the restored Futuro #001 (originally located in Hirvensalmi) and also, from 061615 through 012316, the Futuro World" exhibition. This item is a Spring 2015 English language Exhibitions and Events guide from the exhibition center.

WeeGee Exhibition Center Event Guide Spring 2015 - Cover

WeeGee Exhibition Center Event Guide Spring 2015 - Inside

2009 Wallet Calendar | Purchased 081916

This 2009 wallet calendar features a photo of the Dombai Futuro.

2009 Wallet Calendar Featuring Dombai Futuro - Photo

2009 Wallet Calendar Featuring Dombai Futuro - Calendar

Dombai Futuro Checkers Set | Purchased 110917

The box for this souvenir checkers set features an representation of the Dombai Futuro on the lid.

Dombai Souvenir Checkers Set

Futuro Corporation Desk Embosser | Purchased 060315

In the fall of 2014 the family of the late Charles Cleworth, president of the Futuro Corporation Of Colorado back in the 1970's, passed an extensive archive of Futuro related documents to us for preservation and cataloguing (this archive can be accessed here).

Recently Monty Cleworth, Charles' son, came across this desk embosser and sent it to us. We initially thought about adding this to the "The Charles Cleworth Futuro House Archive" pages but it is clearly not a "document" and so in the end we decided to add it here.

The actual "seal" the embosser creates is relatively simple with the wording "Futuro Corporation Of Colorado" around the edge and an embossed star above the words "SEAL Colorado" in the center.

Futuro Corporation Of Colorado Desk Embosser

Futuro Corporation Of Colorado Embossed Seal

Die Neue Sammlung Flyer 2017 | Purchased 110118

This quad-fold flyer is from Die Neue Sammlung at Munich's Pinakothek der Moderne museum which had a Futuro on display as part of the exhibition "A Flying Saucer In Town". The exhibit, according to the flyer, ran 060217 through 060318 though at the time of writing the Futuro is still located at Die Neue Sammlung.

The Flyer includes information about the exhibit, a little general Futuro history, a brief history of the specific Futuro on site (previously located at Vlotho and Witten) and on the reverse a photo of the Futuro models that were set up in a "sandbox" environment and photographed at the end of the 1960's.

Die Neue Sammlung Flyer 2017 1

Die Neue Sammlung Flyer 2017 2

WeeGee Exhibition Center Flyer 2014 | Purchased 070814

This is another item we picked up during our visit to Espoo and the WeeGee Exhibition Center in July 2014. In this case the item is a free tri-fold flyer with a large WeeGee Futuro Logo on the outside and several photos along with Finnish, Swedish and English text on the inside.

WeeGee Exhibition Flyer 2014 Outside

WeeGee Exhibition Flyer 2014 Inside

IKA Opening Day Invitation | Purchased 032619

The Internationale Kunststoffhaus Ausstellung der Welt or IKA opened 080171 on a site just outside the German town of Lüdenscheid. Several different structures were on display at the event including a Futuro House. This is an invitation to the formal opening of the exhibition by the town's Major, Erwin Welke.

IKA OPening Day Invitation - Front

IKA OPening Day Invitation - Inside

Dombai Souvenir Lapel Pin | Purchased 060318

Souvenir Lapel Pin Featuring The Dombai FuturoThis souvenir metal/enamel lapel pin features the Dombai Futuro. The pin is small being only 1" square. There is no indication of when it was made though the condition is extremely good so it may well be a recently manufactured item.

Three other Dombai metal/enamel souvenir lapel pins can be found in this collection here, here and here.

Dombai Souvenir Skiing Pin | Purchased 020117

Dombai Ski PinThere seem to be more collectibles and souvenirs, both vintage and contemporary, featuring the Dombai Futuro than any other Futuro, at least based on the research we have done while assembling this collection.

This 2" diameter lapel pin which features a skier with the Futuro in the background is one such item. Not sure if this is contemporary or something produced some time ago.

Three other Dombai metal/enamel souvenir lapel pins can be found in this collection here, here and here.

Dombai Futuro Matchbox | Purchased 122312

This is, in our opinion at least, one of the coolest additions to our collection to date; a matchbox that features the Dombai Futuro. It is actually large for a matchbox measuring approximately 8½" by 2½" and it is in "as new" condition with the strike strip never having been used and containing what appears to be its full and original complement of green headed matches.

Of course we cannot read any of the text; best guess is that is was either sold at the Hotel Tarelka where the Futuro serves as a "mess hall" for the hotel or as a souvenir from some other business in Dombai that featured the Futuro as one of the area's landmarks. If anyone can tell us what the text says please let us know.

Matchbox Featuring Dombai Futuro Front

Matchbox Featuring Dombai Futuro Open

Matchbox Featuring Dombai Futuro Back

Vintage Lahnajärvi Matchbox Label | Purchased 122217

Vintage Lahnajärvi Futuro Match Box LabelThis is a vintage Match Box label that carries the text Lahnajärven Lentävä Lautanen or, according to Google Translate, Lahnajärvi Flying Saucer and clearly references the Matsalu Futuro which was located in Lahnajärvi "back in the day".

The other text we believe references that the business being "advertised" is a Grill/Restaurant; makes sense given the history of the Futuro.

This is one of two versions of this label in this collection. The other, which can be found here, carries additional text in the white borders at the top and bottom of the label.

A matchbox that carries the other label can be found here.

Vintage Patch/Contemporary Purse | Purchased 100715

Update 101315

There is no doubt that while "machine translation" such as Google Translate is useful "human translation" is invariably more accurate. In the case of the translation in the original entry for this item below Marko Home (thanks Marko) kindly sent us a more accurate tranlation that reads like this:

"Puumalat: products and the golden age of domestic tourism from 1950s to 1970s

We wanted to pay homage to the past cultural tradition and popular habit of collecting colorful patches and pennants from various localities, and thus designed the "Puumalat" products. In "Puumalat" products we use old patches and pennants of various localities from 1950s to 1980s (some of them are secondhand and show a patina of age), as well as cutting surplus jacket fabrics or high-quality fabric sample pieces. Our ecological and unique "Puumalat" products include purses, handbags and pillows decorated with patches and pennants.
"

Original Information 101015

Vintage Lahnajärvi Futuro Patch On Contemporary PurseWe received this item in a "Futuro Trade" this week; a "vintage" patch on a contemporary purse. The patch carries the text Lahnajärven Lentävä Lautanen or, according to Google Translate, Lahnajärvi Flying Saucer and clearly references the Matsalu Futuro which was located in Lahnajärvi "back in the day".

With a little searching on Google it seems the item originated from Ateljee Agami & Butik where (translated by Google Translate) they indicate that:

"Puumaloissa we use the old 1950-1980 century in the various localities sleeve badges and pennants (some of them are used and show a patina of age), as well as cutting surplus jacket fabrics or high-quality fabric sample pieces."

The patch on this item is very definitely not used and looks almost new. It seems there is at least one other patch/purse combination (and yes we are trying to make contact and spend more of our hard earned but limited funds) and both the one we now have and the others are very cool.

Vintage Lahnajärvi Futuro Pennant | Purchased 010218

Vintage Lahnajärvi Futuro PennantThis vintage pennant carries the text Lahnajärven Lentävä Lautanen or, according to Google Translate, Lahnajärvi Flying Saucer and thus clearly references Futuro #002 (now located in Matsalu, Estonia) during the time it was located at a Gas Station/Rest Stop in Lahnajärvi back in the early 1970's.

This item is a larger version (approximately 6¼" wide by 11" tall) of two previous versions of this pennant already in this collection.

One of them is mounted in a small picture frame and the other is attached to a small contemporary wallet, they can be found here and here respectively.

Plastic Photo Cube Early 1970's? | Purchased 122312

We do not have any information on the origin or date of this plastic photo cube. Having said that our guess it is from the 1970's; the item itself is something that was in vogue at that time and the aging of the cube and the images it contains are consistent with it being some 40 years old or thereabouts.

The Futuro image is a generic interior shot; we believe it is reproduced from some publicity materials, we are sure we have seen the image before but at the moment we cannot place it. The Futuro image unlike all of the others is undamaged though it does show pronounced aging.

Plastic Photo Cube 1970's

Plastic Photo Cube 1970's

2006 Belgian Film Festival Program | Purchased 080313

2006 Belgian Film Festival Program - CoverTranslateThe 2006 Film Festival "2E Documentair Film Platform Zone" (Antwerpen - Gent - Kortrijk) took place 031506 through 031906. The festival featured, among other works, several films by director Mika Taanila. Among them was the 1998 film "Futuro - A New Stance For Tomorrow".

This is a Program Booklet from the festival which features a short write up on the Futuro film along with some stock photos showing a couple of possible Futuro uses that never came to fruition and a shot of Futuro #001 at Hirvensalmi in 1968.

You can download a PDF file of this Program from here.

2006 Belgian Film Festival Program - Inside

Dombai Futuro Refigerator Magnet | Purchased 021817

Dombai Metal Refrigerator MagnetThere seem to be more collectibles and souvenirs, both vintage and contemporary, featuring the Dombai Futuro than any other Futuro, at least based on the research we have done while assembling our collection of "Things Futuro".

We recently came across this 2" x 2¾" refrigerator magnet. The magnet is manufactured using a dark metal and for its size it is actually rather heavy. There are no markings that indicate age and we have no idea if this is a contemporary souvenir that is "hot of the press" or an item with some age.

Dombai Futuro Refigerator Magnet | Purchased 113016

This plastic refrigerator magnet is 3" by 2" in size and carries a photo of the Dombai Futuro. There is no indication of date of production on the object.

Dombai Futuro - Plastic Refrigerator Magnet - Date Unknown

Dombai Futuro Refigerator Magnets | Purchased 020615

This set of two refrigerator magnets featuring the Dombai Futuro is fabricated from plastic with images of the Futuro printed on canvas. The larger of the two (first) is 4½" square; the smaller is 3¾" square.

Set Of Two Dombai Futuro Refrigerator Magnets 1

Set Of Two Dombai Futuro Refrigerator Magnets 2

Futuro Logo Refrigerator Magnet | Purchased 070814

Futuro House Logo Refrigerator Magnet - WeeGee Exhibition ShopThis is another Futuro "souvenir" item we just "had" to purchase from the gift shop during our July 2014 visit to Espoo and the WeeGee Exhibition Center.

In this case we have a small, flexible, refrigerator magnet that features the WeeGee Exhibition Center Futuro House logo in yellow over a light blue background.

Futuro Canvas Shopping Bag 2018 | Purchased 070919

In the summer of 2015 the WeeGee Exhibition Center in Espoo, Finland (home of the fully restored Futuro #001) launched an exhibition titled "Futuro World"; it ran from 061615 through 013116. The exhibition was located in "Studio Suuronen" (the old museum shop space - renamed - located in the lobby of the WeeGee Exhibition Center). At the time the WeeGee Exhibition Center website described the exhibition in this way:

"Studio Suuronen will feature the Futuro World exhibition, which showcases the Futuro house, completed in 1968, and its distribution across the globe by means of photographs, captions and map graphics. The exhibition will feature photos of almost 50 Futuro houses from various corners of the world. In addition, there will be some interior photos illustrating their different decoration styles."

"Futuro World" was relaunched in 2018, the Futuros "50th birthday" as "Futuro World 50 Years". This limited edition canvas shopping bag was available for a time as a souvenir of the "Futuro World 50 Years" exhibition. Our thanks to Marko Home who very kindly sent us this addition to our collection of "Things Futuro".

Futuro Shopping Bag - Limited Edition Futuro World 50 Years - 2018

Dombai Futuro Souvenir Coin | Purchased 010915

This item is a contemporary 35mm two-tone metal souvenir coin featuring the Dombai Futuro on one side (other coins can be found here and here).

Souvenir Coin - Dombai Futuro

Souvenir Coin - Dombai Futuro - Detail

Dombai Futuro Souvenir Coin | Purchased 011615

This item is a contemporary 40mm single-tone metal souvenir coin featuring the Dombai Futuro on one side (other coins can be found here and here).

Souvenir Coin - Dombai Futuro

Souvenir Coin - Dombai Futuro - Detail

Dombai Futuro Souvenir Coins | Purchased 021015

Set Of 5 Souvenir Coins - Dombai Futuro - 1This is a set of five souvenir coins featuring the Dombai Futuro (other coins can be found here and here).

The coins, each a different color finish, are single tone metal and 40mm in diameter. The "cards" in which they are mounted are 100mm by 128mm.

It seems like the finish of three of the coins is the traditional Gold, Silver and Bronze but we are not sure what metals the remaining two are meant to simulate.

Set Of 5 Souvenir Coins - Dombai Futuro - 2

Set Of 5 Souvenirs Coins - Dombai Futuro - 3

Set Of 5 Souvenir Coins - Dombai Futuro - 4

Set Of 5 Souvenirs Coins - Dombai Futuro - 5

Futuro House Logo T-Shirt | Purchased 062615

Futuro House Logo Mug - WeeGee Exhibition ShopBeing the Futuro "obsessives" that this collection clearly shows us to be during our visit to the WeeGee Exhibition Center in Espoo, Finland in July 2014 we "had" to purchase every Futuro souvenir on sale.

Unfortunately at the time of our visit the center was out of t-shirts. Recently, and by way of a thank you for the small part we played in getting the "Futuro World" exhibition up and running, Marko Home and the WeeGee Exhibition Center sent us a couple of the t-shirts. We extend a big thank you to Marko and the exhibition team.

Nelson Futuro Tea-Towel | Purchased 011319

"Futuro Items" come in all forms, shapes and sizes. In this case we have a Tea-Towel that features the Nelson Futuro (now located somewhere in Richmond, New Zealand).

Tea-Towel Featuring Nelson Futuro

UK National Archives File | Purchased 041814

UK National Archives - File Copy Cover SheetRecently a search we were running online returned a result from the UK National Archives related to Finnfocus, the 1968 Trade Expo which was held aboard the MS Finnpartner in London, UK. The expo featured Futuro #002 (now located in Matsalu, Estonia).

There was no way to preview the document and so, being the obsessives that we are, we ordered copies. It turned out that the reference was to a UK FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) file that contained a number of documents pertaining to Finnfocus. Primarily the file contained transcripts of speeches given by UK and Finnish diplomats at the opening of the expo. There are also some rather interesting letters around a discussion between diplomats as to whether the opening speech by a UK diplomat should use the word "We" or the designation "HMG" (Her Majesties Government) when talking about the UK's trade relationship with Finland.

As for Futuro itself we were a little disappointed; with one exception the documents never mentioned the Futuro House. The one that did was a press clipping included in the file from The Times (undated) that briefly mentioned the Futuro House. As with most reporting prior to and during Finnfocus the reference was to a "plastic house" and not to Futuro (Futuro became known as Futuro following Finnfocus and was not known as such until that time).

Futuro Logo Paper Shopping Bag 2019 | Purchased 112119

There are many suppliers of mass market Futuro "souvenir" items, primarily web based companies providing a service whereby a "seller" uploads a photo which can then be applied to any manner of objects turning them into "Futuro" items for sale (some examples are Zazzle, Cafe Press and Red Bubble.

We do not typically purchase such items for our collection; there would be way too many for starters and it would cost too much but, more importantly, we really do not consider such mass produced items to be true "Futuro items".

That said the WeeGee Exhibition Center sells a small number of Futuro Logo souvenirs and from time to time adds new items.

WeeGee is of course the home of the impeccably restored Futuro #001 and the Futuro World Exhibition and we consider them to be the "de facto" supplier of contemporary Futuro souvenirs and so we make an exception and normally like to add items produced by WeeGee to our collection.

In this case we have a rather nice paper shopping bag that was recently added to the WeeGee collection of items.

WeeGee Futuro logo Paper Shopping Bag

Futuro Logo Key Fobs | Purchased 112119

There are many suppliers of mass market Futuro "souvenir" items, primarily web based companies providing a service whereby a "seller" uploads a photo which can then be applied to any manner of objects turning them into "Futuro" items for sale (some examples are Zazzle, Cafe Press and Red Bubble.

We do not typically purchase such items for our collection; there would be way too many for starters and it would cost too much but, more importantly, we really do not consider such mass produced items to be true "Futuro items".

That said the WeeGee Exhibition Center sells a small number of Futuro Logo souvenirs and from time to time adds new items.

WeeGee is of course the home of the impeccably restored Futuro #001 and the Futuro World Exhibition and we consider them to be the "de facto" supplier of contemporary Futuro souvenirs and so we make an exception and normally like to add items produced by WeeGee to our collection.

The WeeGee Exhibition Center recently added this set of 4 Futuro shaped key fobs to its collection of Futuro Logo souvenirs.

WeeGee Futuro Logo Key Fobs

Dombai Futuro Refigerator Magnet | Purchased 020720

The Dombai Futuro is the subject of more souvenir type items than any other. This refrigerator magnet carries no indication of when it was manufactured but the way it was packaged suggests it is a contemporary souvenir either still or recently being sold.

Dombai Refrigerator Magnet Feb 2020

Dombai Futuro 1986 Wall Calendar | Purchased 021420

This 13" x 10" 1986 wall calendar carries a great image of the Dombai Futuro on the front cover. The Futuro does not feature on any of the month by month pages inside the calendar. To date even with the "help" of Google Translate we have been unable to figure out the meaning of the text on the cover.

Dombai 1986 Wall Calendar

Lahnajärvi Futuro Decal | Purchased 081720

Lahnajärvi Futuro Decal 1This 2 ¼" diameter decal carries the text Lahnajärven Lentävä Lautanen or, according to Google Translate, Lahnajärvi Flying Saucer and thus clearly references the Matsalu Futuro which was located in Lahnajärvi "back in the day".

The image is identical to this one that was printed onto linen; presumably designed to be a patch to be cut out and then either glued or sewn onto something.

Dombai Futuro Mug | Purchased 081720

This contemporary souvenir 6" tall glass mug/tankard features the Dombai Futuro.

Dombai Futuro Mug

Lahnajärvi Futuro Patch | Purchased 081720

Lahnajärvi Futuro Patch On LinenThis 2¼" diameter patch features an image printed on linen that carries the text Lahnajärven Lentävä Lautanen or, according to Google Translate, Lahnajärvi Flying Saucer and thus clearly references the Matsalu Futuro which was located in Lahnajärvi "back in the day".

Presumably the patch was designed to be cut out and then either glued or sewn onto something. The image is identical to the one found on this decal.

Dombai Futuro Matchbox | Purchased 092420

Matchbox Collection Featuring Dombai Futuro - Dombai BoxHere we have a collection of a dozen matchboxes featuring photographs from the Dombai area presented in a souvenir "folder".

The matchboxes are "unassembled" and the collection includes the covers of the matchboxes but not the trays that would actually contain the matches. One of the matchboxes sports a photograph of the Dombai Futuro.

The collection is not dated and there is no indication as to whether this is a contemporary souvenir or dates from some time ago.

Matchbox Collection Featuring Dombai Futuro - Folder & Multi

Vision & Reality: Exhibition Flyer | Received 052221

Futuro #000, now of course at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, Rotterdam, Netherlands, was displayed 092100-011401 at "Vision & Reality - Conceptions Of The 20th Century", an exhibition at the Louisiana Museum Of Modern Art in Humlebæk, Denmark in 2000 (The Exhibition Catalog can be found here).

This small three-fold flyer provides some information about the exhibition which ran from 092100 thru 011401. The flyer text is in both Danish and English.

Vision & Reality: Conceptions Of The 20th Century Flyer 1

Vision & Reality: Conceptions Of The 20th Century Flyer 2

Souvenir Pen - Dombai Futuro | Purchased 062921

Over the years we have acquired quite a collection of all manner of "Things Futuro" but this souvenir pen is perhaps one of the more unusual items we have come across.

The pen has a very cool feature where you can pull out a sheet of paper (though actually it feels like some kind of very thin plastic or even vinyl) with imagery of the Dombai area mountains on one side that includes the Dombai Futuro and on the other side what we assume is a little tourist information.



Dombai Futuro Souvenir Pen

Dombai Futuro Refigerator Magnet | Purchased 112421

Over the years we have acquired quite a collection of Dombai Futuro souvenirs and several of them are refrigerator magnets.

In this case we have a rectangular (3¼" by 2½") example constructed of plastic and wood.

Dombai Futuro Refrigerator Magnet

Dombai Futuro Canvas Shopping Bag | Purchased 112421

This canvas shopping bag features some cool graphics that include the Dombai Futuro.

Dombai Futuro Shopping Bag

Dombai Futuro Refrigerator Magnet | Purchased 112421

This refrigerator magnet features a cool panoramic image that includes the Dombai Futuro.

Dombai Panoramic Refrigerator Magnet

Dombai Futuro "Puzzle" Coasters | Purchased 112421

One of the four coasters in this souvenir set of "puzzle" coasters features an image of the Dombai Futuro.

Dombai Futuro Puzzle Coasters

Dombai Futuro Cutting Board | Purchased 112421

This colorful cutting board features an image of the Dombai Futuro.

Dombai Futuro Cutting Board

Dombai Futuro Refrigerator Magnet | Received 012122

This 3" by 2" ceramic refrigerator magnet features a nice colorful image of the Dombai Futuro.

Dombai Futuro Refrigerator Magnet

Die Neue Sammlung Poster 2017 | Purchased 031122

This poster is from Die Neue Sammlung at Munich's Pinakothek der Moderne museum which displayed a Futuro as part of the exhibition "A Flying Saucer In Town". The exhibit, according to the poster, ran 060217 through 060318 though at the time of writing (031622) the Futuro is still located at Die Neue Sammlung.

Die Neue Sammlung Flyer 2017 1

Greeting Card - New Home | 051022

This fun little greeting card is by Jessica Wild. The image of a Futuro and white picket fence is very appropriate for a new home "congrats" in our opinion. The card can be found in Jessica's web store here.

Greeting Card - New Home

"Key" - Lazy Habits / Vermillion Sands | Purchased 051022

The video for CTRL, the first single taken from the 3rd album, Vermillion Sands, by UK based band Lazy Habits, was shot (at least in part) at Wanli and to go along with the video the band also created a couple of collectible pieces that features Futuro iconography that included this USB "Key".

USB Key - Lazy Habits / Vermillion Sands

2005 Wallet Calendar | Purchased 010723

This 2005 wallet calendar features a photo of the Dombai Futuro.

2005 Wallet Calendar Featuring Dombai Futuro - Photo

2005 Wallet Calendar Featuring Dombai Futuro - Calendar

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