American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA 55407 • 612-871-4907
Founded in 1929 by Swan J. Turnblad.
In 1908, the Turnblads—a Swedish immigrant family—completed the construction of their castle-like mansion on Minneapolis’ Park Avenue. Just twenty-one years later, they gave it all away to the community, founding the museum and cultural center that would become the American Swedish Institute.
Today, the American Swedish Institute, housed in the Turnblad Mansion, is a place to learn about and experience Swedish, Swedish-American, and Nordic culture, learn about the role of Swedish and other immigrants in Minnesota’s history, and share stories and experiences.
Join us for our exhibits, our fun and educational programs, find unique Swedish products in our Museum Shop, and much more!
The American Swedish Institute, founded in 1929, serves as a gathering place for people to share stories and experiences around universal themes of tradition, migration, craft and the arts, all informed by enduring ties to Sweden.
Upcoming Events
May 13 Building Update
May 19 Adult Slöjd Felted Purses May 23 ASI Forum: Sustainability
Ongoing Construction of the
Nelson Cultural Center
Museum Hours
Tues., Thu., Fri. noon–5 p.m.
Wed. noon–8 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sun. noon–5 p.m.
Location
American Swedish Institute
2600 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Visitor Alert
Between May 29 and June 8, our facilities will not be wheelchair accessible due to construction at our entrance. Please call 612-871-4907 with questions.
The Turnblad Mansion and the American Swedish Institute
The ASI
iPad App
The ASI iPad app is a free download from the iTunes Store.
Watch our Construction Camera!
Nordic Figure Carving
January 20–May 27, 2012
The distinctive figure carving of the Nordic countries has a captivating quality. Small wonder; generations of gifted whittlers carved not only for their own amusement, but also for others.
This exhibition reveals the great mastery in these often understated, but clever pieces, showcasing some of the masters represented in ASI’s extensive collection of woodcarvings.
Construction on the new Nelson Cultural Center will continue through Spring 2012.
This time lapse image refreshes every 15 minutes. Visit our YouTube page for time lapse videos of construction.
Their Majesties King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden will visit ASI and Gustavus Adolphus College October 5–6, 2012. The royal visit is in honor of the dedication of ASI’s new Nelson Cultural Center and other recent campus enhancements, and in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of Gustavus Adolphus College by Swedish immigrants in 1862. For more information, read the press release here.
For information on tickets to the Nelson Cultural Center dedication ceremony and royal banquet, click here.
Nelson Cultural Center to Open June 30, 2012
Saturday, June 30, 2012 will be the official grand opening for Minneapolis’ newest landmark, the Carl and Leslie Nelson Cultural Center.
Minnesota Museums Month is a statewide celebration of museums, their stories and their communities. This May, visit a new museum in your community, take a road trip, or return to one of your favorites that you haven't seen in a while!
