Fifty years ago, an unassuming 3D puzzle cube was introduced to an unsuspecting world by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik. At the time, Rubik was working at the Department of Interior Design at the Academy of Applied Arts and Crafts (that’s a long title) in Budapest. Though he created the cube in 1974, it took another six years before his “Magic Cube” would captivate the globe. By January 2024, approximately 500 million cubes had been sold worldwide, solidifying its status as the world’s best-selling puzzle game. The cube’s simplicity in design belied the complexity of solving it, making it an addictive challenge for millions.
When the cube was first introduced internationally, its journey to Western toy stores was briefly delayed to meet Western safety and packaging standards. A lighter version was produced, and Ideal Toy Company decided to rename it. Names like “The Gordian Knot” and “Inca Gold” were considered, but ultimately, they settled on “Rubik’s Cube.” The first batch bearing the new name was exported from Hungary in May 1980. At the time, some parents even expressed concerns that the cube could be used as a weapon if thrown.
In 1981, cognitive scientist Douglas Hofstadter praised the cube as “an ingenious mechanical invention, a pastime, a learning tool, a source of metaphors, and an inspiration.” The puzzle’s difficulty led to a surge in guidebooks, as most people could only solve one or two sides on their own. Books like David Singmaster’s Notes on Rubik’s “Magic Cube” (1980) and Patrick Bossert’s You Can Do the Cube (1981) became essential reading. At one point in 1981, three of the top ten best-selling books in the United States were guides on solving the Rubik’s Cube. The best-selling book of that year was James G. Nourse’s The Simple Solution to Rubik’s Cube, which sold over 6 million copies, making Nourse the youngest top-selling author at the time. It was the fastest-selling title in the 36-year history of Bantam Books at the time.
For those who grew up in the 1980s, the Rubik’s Cube was an obsession. Hours were spent twisting and turning the cube, often leading to frustration and the temptation to peel off the stickers or pop out the pieces. The guides, once deciphered, provided a clear path to mastering the puzzle, making the challenge more accessible.
The fascination with the cube extended beyond just solving it—speed became the ultimate goal. Any kid who could solve the cube in record time was considered a hero, though some might have argued they simply had too much free time. In the 1990s, a new generation of enthusiasts reignited the craze, setting speedcubing records, including solving the cube underwater, while skydiving, blindfolded, and even while juggling. Today, the World Cube Association hosts more than 1,000 competitions annually.
“The Rubik’s Cube is a piece of art,” said Professor Ernő Rubik. “It comes to life when we attempt to discover our solutions to the vast complexity of the challenge. It speaks to the universal values in human nature: curiosity, perseverance, and ingenuity. Recognizing the Cube’s 50th anniversary is a celebration of these eternal values.”
At 80 years old, Professor Ernő Rubik continues to enjoy the legacy of his invention—pop culture’s most complex yet addictive little cube. His creation remains a testament to the enduring appeal of a challenge that blends simplicity with profound complexity.