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American Swedish Institute

2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407 · Minneapolis, MN

Why you should go…

Swedish newspaper magnate Swan Turnblad completed his turreted, Châteauesque limestone mansion on Park Avenue in 1908, then gave it to the institute he founded in 1929. Today its carved woodwork and ornate Swedish tile stoves frame exhibitions on Nordic art, craft, and migration. The glassy Nelson Cultural Center addition holds galleries, a craft workshop, and FIKA, the institute's New Nordic café. Come for the mansion's storybook rooms, stay for cardamom buns and Scandinavian design finds in the museum shop.

  • #swedish
  • #mansion
  • #culture
  • #cafe
  • #museum

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to American Swedish Institute, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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