Welcome to the historic Turnblad Mansion, decorated with light-filled whimsy for the holiday season.
In the darkness of winter, light brings warmth, fosters health and generates happiness. During the holidays, especially in areas with a change of season, light is the center of the worlds most treasured traditions—from the lighting of Christmas advent candles, to the candle wreath of Sankta Lucia and the lights of the menorah.
Nordic Holidays: Celebrations of Light at the American Swedish Institute is an exhibition that annually showcases Nordic and other holiday traditions through the famous decorated rooms in the historic Turnblad Mansion. The rooms are designed by groups from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway to reflect their own distinctive customs. This year, as part of our theme of Celebrations of Light, the ASI has partnered with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas for a space to honor Hanukkah, another light-centered tradition which is observed on nearly every continent, including in the Nordic countries.
Explore the special traditions of five Nordic countries and the Jewish Community and learn more about light-filled celebrations.
Ticket Info
Admission & Registration
Jul Shop
ASI Museum Store's Jul Shop features the best in Nordic holiday decor, tomtes, gifts, treats, and more. "A must-shop store for holiday gifts" - Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine
Additional Holiday Exhibits
Other exhibitions on display Nov. 12–Jan. 8 include the Aurora Borealis Series–Photographs by Jim Brandenburg, Royal Copenhagen / Bing & Grøndahl Christmas Plates of hand-painted porcelain and the ASI Family Gallery: Celebrating Light in the City. All exhibits open during museum hours.
