Welcome to the Winter Wonderland at ASI! Embrace the season’s spirit with a variety of programs and curated events in one of ASI’s 100+ offerings. Whether it’s educational winter tours, festive celebrations, or engaging youth handcraft activities, there’s always something for everyone.
The American Swedish Institute museum and cultural center has a schedule of programs for every age and interest in language, cooking, and crafts; fun happenings in the historic Turnblad mansion, including a series of unique events perfect for every age. We have something for everyone!
ASI’s Youth and Family programs offer opportunities for families, children and even the tiniest tots to learn about Scandinavian art, craft, culture and history – and to discover something new about themselves.
From handcraft classes to opportunities for language learning, from summer day camps to birthday parties, there’s always something for you and your children to explore together.
-Babies at the Castle:
Leave your strollers at the door and carry your baby through a tour of ASI’s current exhibition, Arctic Highways. This unique tour is designed for babies up to 18 months and their caregivers. Tours are approximately 30 minutes followed by an additional 15 minutes of sensory play.
$20 ($15 ASI member); $13 additional adult
Fri, February 23, & Sat, September 24, 9:15–10 am
Fri, March 22 & Sat, March 23, 9:15–10 am
-Special Edition Kids at the Castle: The Box King
It’s a morning playdate at the Twin Cities’ only castle! Told with hand carved marionettes and a transforming cardboard box, The Box King is a family show following two kingdoms. These two kingdoms are joined together through the marriage of their leaders. But, what happens when the king loses the queen and cannot remember who anyone is any longer? Advance registration is required. Adults must accompany children. Suggested for ages 2–5. Includes museum admission. $15 per family
Fri, Jan 19, 9-10am
Sat, Jan 20, 9-10am
-Kids at the Castle: The Love Monster
It’s a morning playdate at the Castle! These action-packed creative playtimes encourage adventurous young minds through circle time, storytelling, crafts, visual play, music, and movement. Kids at the Castle themes are inspired by the seasons. Advance registration is required. Adults must accompany children. Suggested for ages 2–5. Includes museum admission. $15 per family
Fri, Feb. 16, 9-10am
Fri, Feb. 20, 9-10am
-Easter at the Castle – Morning & Afternoon Session on Saturday, March 30
Embark upon the Twin Cities’ only Easter egg hunt at a castle during this intergenerational celebration recommended for children ages ten and under and their favorite grown-ups. The påskkärring (Easter Witch) will tell stories, lead you in games, and invite you to create your own Easter table decorations and Easter cards with Swedish phrases. The morning egg hunt takes place in the Turnblad Mansion. The afternoon hunt will take place outside on ASI’s fenced-in lawn, even in rain or snow.
Register by Friday, March 8. Only children will participate in the egg hunt. Every attendee must register. $20 ($15 ASI member); Free for children under 2.
-Midwinter Folk Music Festival: Sat, Mar 2, 2024 – Sun, Mar 3, 2024
Celebrate Scandinavian folk music with a weekend full of performances, workshops, classes, and demos at the American Swedish Institute and Cedar Cultural Center. Mark your calendars for this special celebration and stay tuned for schedule and program updates. Experience the Saturday special performance by Helena Hallberg, a uniquely diverse artist who blends Folk, Jazz, and Pop to create a captivating fusion of traditional Nordic and American folk music. This concert is included with either date ticket!
Attend one day of the festival for $25 ($20 ASI member) or both days for $50 ($40 ASI member). Each ticket includes admission to the Helena Hallberg Concert at Cedar Cultural Center on Saturday, March 2 at 7 pm.
-First Look: Arctic Highways exhibition at ASI
ASI’s newest exhibition premieres the first weekend of February and you’re invited! Be the first to experience Arctic Highways: Unbounded Indigenous People and Mygration at this evening preview party featuring music by Keith Bedeau and his Spirit Boy Drum Group, live reindeer, make-and-take crafts, and more. Guests will enjoy a panel discussion and conversation featuring Tomas Colbengtson, Stina Folkebrant, and members of All My Relations Arts.
The American Swedish Institute is a vibrant arts and cultural organization that engages locally and connects globally. With a campus including the historic Turnblad Mansion and the Nelson Cultural Center, ASI uses its resources to be a valuable community asset and integral partner in Minneapolis.
ASI is located at 2600 Park Avenue in Minneapolis. Open 10 am to 8 pm on Thursdays, and 10 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. General admission is free for ASI members and children five and under. $6 for ages 6 to 18 and students of all ages. $12 for adults. $8 for seniors age 62 and over. Walk-up museum admission is available, or register in advance.