Explore the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis
The campus is comprised of the historic French Chateauesque Turnblad Mansion and the modern Scandinavian architecture of the Nelson Cultural Center. The Turnblad Mansion was home to a wealthy Swedish-American family and features intricately carved wood, beautiful Swedish rugs, and 11 decorative tile stoves imported from Sweden. The Nelson Cultural Center was built in 2012 and houses the Museum Store and FIKA, the award-winning onsite café. Make sure to save time for a delicious meal of traditional and contemporary Nordic fare.
Exhibits & Collections
Current exhibit extra/ordinary: The American Swedish Institute, At Play is an imaginative new exhibition produced by the American Swedish Institute that celebrates its 90th anniversary and explores 29 objects from ASI’s collection and the stories behind them. It runs through July 5, 2020.
The material collection of ASI includes paintings, prints, woodcarvings, textiles, furniture, and more. The focus is on fine and decorative arts, as well as objects reflecting the lives of Swedish Americans. There are also collections documenting immigration and settlement in America.
Programs & Events
Language and Culture Classes – ASI offers classes in Swedish and Finnish, for everyone from students to adults. They also offer special topics that offer insight into Nordic culture.
Nordic Handcraft Workshops – These workshops bring Nordic-inspired handcraft traditions to life, with programs in textiles, wood, weaving, basketry, and more.
Nordic Table Workshops – Explore the heritage of Nordic food from traditional to contemporary through workshops, demonstrations, tastings, and lectures.
The ASI has a number of festivals and events throughout the year. Some highlights include Midsommar on the third Saturday in June and Julmarknad on the first weekend in December for the ASI’s holiday market.
More to Explore
Continue your Scandinavian theme with a visit to Ingebretsen’s, a south Minneapolis market featuring fine Scandinavian gifts, food, needlework and clothing. The store has been open continuously since 1921.
Take the Uff Dah!! Tour from Wabash Street Caves to discover how and why immigrants from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland came to settle in the Twin Cities.
Stay at Hotel Emery, Autograph Collection in downtown Minneapolis, located close to many area attractions.
American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55407
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