Guinness has joined the Arctic World Archive to preserve its legacy
Guinness, a stout grounded in heritage, recently announced that it has deposited a curated selection of its extensive historical archives at the Arctic World Archive in Svalbard, Norway.
This deposit into the Arctic World Archive serves as an immense honour and a complementary step in safeguarding these invaluable records, enhancing Guinness’s existing preservation system
As the first Irish brand and the first drinks brand to contribute to this secure, permafrost-protected vault, Guinness has preserved its 267-year legacy of brewing, innovation, and profound cultural and societal impact from 1759 to the present day for future generations.
At the heart of this deposit is the belief that Guinness’s legacy lives not only in brewing milestones, but in the people and communities who
have made it part of their celebrations, connections, and “Lovely Days” across generations.
Curated by Guinness Archivist Eibhlin Colgan, the collection that has been deposited offers a comprehensive look at the brand’s rich history, organised into “Beer,” “Brand,” and “People.”
The “People” pillar spotlights the lived stories behind the pint—capturing how Guinness has shown up in communities, from pioneering employee welfare benefits to community initiatives and cultural moments that have created connection.
It includes seminal documents such as innovation patents for the iconic widget, Nitrosurge, and Microdraught technologies; the evolution of the distinctive Guinness harp and early advertising campaigns; and records reflecting the brand’s long-standing role in social and community life.
Irish beer mats campaign ‘Pints of View’ is also included—an invitation for the Guinness community to place their own “Lovely Day” right at the centre, turning everyday moments of togetherness into a shared cultural story.
This exciting step echoes the foresight of Arthur Guinness, who in 1759 signed a 9,000-year lease for the St. James’s Gate brewery in Dublin. Now, Guinness’ heritage and cultural impact will be stored in a facility designed to survive for at least 1,000 years.
This historic deposit occurred alongside the prestigious World Legacy Summit, a confluence of minds hosted by UNESCO, the AWA Foundation, and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, dedicated to celebrating the preservation of nature, culture, and time itself.
The Guinness archive, located at St. James’s Gate, Dublin, carefully collects, preserves, and shares the history of the world’s most famous stout since the formation of Guinness.
This deposit into the Arctic World Archive serves as an immense honour and a complementary step in safeguarding these invaluable records, enhancing Guinness’s existing preservation system.
“Our own Guinness Archive is a treasure trove, meticulously preserving the stories that have shaped our brand for over two and a half centuries,” said Eibhlin Colgan, Guinness archivist.
“To see a curated selection of our most vital cultural and societal narratives now immortalised within the Arctic World Archive is an immense honour.
“From the people who brewed it, to the communities who made it theirs, these materials reflect the human stories behind Guinness—moments of connection and ‘Lovely Days’ that deserve to endure.
“It’s a testament to the enduring impact of Guinness that these materials stand alongside the world’s most significant cultural institutions.”
Guinness has not only immortalised its innovation but also brought it to life at the official deposit ceremony in Svalbard.
Pints were poured using the very Nitrosurge and Microdraught technologies whose groundbreaking patents are now sealed within the archive, offering a taste of history served in the present.
And as Guinness looks to the future, it remains committed to celebrating the role the pint plays in bringing people together—creating new
stories worthy of being remembered.
“Depositing seminal parts of the Guinness archive into the Arctic World Archive is a landmark moment, reflecting our enduring commitment to preserving our rich legacy for future generations,” added Stephen O’Kelly,
Global brand director at Guinness. “This specially curated collection, spanning 267 years, isn’t just about Guinness; it’s about safeguarding a piece of global cultural history – from our pioneering innovations to the stories of our people and communities.
“We believe this unique act has ensured the story of the perfect pint continues to be discovered for millennia to come.”
Located 300 meters inside a mine in Longyearbyen, just 600 miles from the North Pole, the Arctic World Archive already houses invaluable global treasures, including manuscripts from the Vatican Library, Dante’s Divine Comedy, Munch’s The Scream, and national records from around the world.
Guinness joined other esteemed institutions contributing to the 2026 deposit, such as The Band Aid Trust and masterpieces from Fryderyk Chopin, solidifying its place among the world’s most significant cultural legacies.
For more information, contact; emily.carew@ogilvy.com
