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For Families

The American Swedish Institute will temporarily close beginning Saturday, Nov. 21 for at least 4 weeks to comply with the Governor's COVID safety orders.

ASI is a fun and welcoming place for families to explore traditions, immigration, handcraft and art. Be sure to visit the Youth & Family page for information about special programs and resources tailored for children, youth and families.

ASI & COVID-19

During any visit, you’ll notice we’ve made some changes, so thank you in advance for reading all signs and following the new Visitor Playbook which includes:

  • We're open new hours! Thursday - Sunday, 10 a.m - 4 p.m.
  • Reserve and pay for museum admission before you arrive - even for members. Head to the reservation page here to sign up for a time. Do not arrive early for your ticket time. Arrive within the 30-minute window listed on your email confirmation.
  • Stay home if you are not feeling well for any reason. we are always happy to reschedule or refund your admission. 
  • Face-coverings are required. Wear one during your entire visit. Please don't forget to cover your nose and put it on before you enter the building. Those without face coverings will be asked to visit another time.
  • Clean your hands before you arrive and during your visit. We have hand sanitizer throughout the building.
  • Check0in with staff before you begin. There are capacity restrictions across campus and one-way traffic flows visitors need to follow.
  • Stay 6-feet away from others who are not in your group. Only enter empty elevators or empty rooms in the mansion. Wait for the group ahead of you to finish. 

Strollers

Strollers are welcome at ASI, although space is often tight in the historic Turnblad Mansion. The use of strollers may also be restricted in special exhibition galleries or because of high visitor volume.

Over-sized strollers, including jogging strollers and side-by-side strollers, must be left outside the Turnblad Mansion. For your convenience, umbrella strollers are available to check out at the ASI front desk with an ID.

Family Restrooms

Family / all-gender restrooms and changing stations are located at the Lower Level of the Turnblad Mansion and on the 1st floor of NCC near the café. All are welcome to use the restroom of their choice. 

Dining

FIKA, ASI's award-winning café, offers family-friendly meals and was named "Best Place to Eat With Your Kids in Minneapolis."  Food and drink are not permitted in the historic Turnblad Mansion or the Osher Gallery. 

Please read about FIKA's new reservation system and limited capacity during COVID-19 here.

Write to Tomte

Temporarily removed during COVID-19. Not every house has a Tomte, but the Turnblad Mansion does! Write Tomte a note or ask him a question. His mailbox is located in the Turnblad Mansion's third floor turret.

Nursing & Comfort

You are welcome to nurse your child wherever you’re most comfortable. There is a Quiet Room on the lower level of the mansion for those looking for privacy or a comfortable place to rest.

Family Gallery and Guides

Due to concerns surrounding COVID, the high-touch ASI Family Gallery is currently closed. The ASI Family Gallery encourages our youngest visitors to play, touch, read and learn! Family gallery topics change every year. 

Outdoor Playcart

Due to concerns surrounding COVID, the high-touch playcart is currently unavailable. Find something new and surprising while exploring the outdoor spaces at ASI. Our outdoor playcart gives ASI's youngest visitors the tools enrich their visit. Explore the “high-up places” using binoculars, dance with scarves, or play a game of kubb on the lawn. Outdoor Playcart Season runs April-September (weather permitting)!  

 

Tips for a Great Family Visit

Have fun preparing your child for a visit to ASI. Check out the calendar of exhibitions, handcraft workshops, classes and Youth and Family programs. Discover the many things to see and do at ASI.

  • Help your child learn how they can have a role in protecting the 100-year-old Turnblad Mansion.  Touching historic surfaces or art may be tempting, but can leave harmful, yet invisible, finger prints.   
  • You don't need to be quiet in the Mansion and exhibits! We encourage talking, questions and even singing! Come back for the regular Kids at the Castle events, when groups of kids and their adults have the Mansion to themselves and can listen to stories, dance and play games.
  • Have fun looking at and talking about the mansion and exhibits—you'll be amazed at how sharing what you see with your children can enrich your family's experience.
  • Keep young kids engaged by counting, identifying shapes and colors, or naming animals, people or objects.
  • Make a game out of looking at artwork: What's going on in a painting? Is the person happy or sad? Where do you think it was painted? How do you think your favorite item was made? What do you see in the wooden carvings throughout the Mansion - strange animals, funny people? Communicate observations, opinions and thoughts. There are no wrong answers!

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