Discover the Secrets of the Season in Minneapolis at the American Swedish Institute’s 72nd Holiday Experience – this year with a secret twist! The familiar meets the unexpected in this one-of-a-kind experience. Also, ASI has something for everyone – sign up for our various programs and events!
One of Minnesota’s most anticipated holiday experiences returns as the American Swedish Institute kicks off its 72nd annual holiday celebration. Explore an immersive all-ages holiday installation within the historic Turnblad Mansion, festive holiday events, and educational classes and workshops—this year with a secret twist. Open Wednesday – Sunday from 10am – 4pm, this holiday exhibit is the perfect refuge from the cold this winter. Our FIKA Cafe will warm you up with our Nordic staples and a nice glass of glogg, of course!
Explore the Mansion’s galleries and immerse yourself in experiences co-created by guest curators representing local communities of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, the Sami Culture Center, and ASI’s behind-the-scenes group of dedicated volunteers. Each of these seven groups contributed their own secret to the experience—from that ‘must have thing’ for winter to that traditional trinket that gets placed on the mantel every year.
ASI’s popular Holiday Glögg Tours are back! Celebrate the holiday season and the cold winter nights with a guided tour of the holiday exhibition and Swedish mulled wine. Small bites and glögg are included. Available to ages 21+
Throughout the year, you can explore ASI’s exhibitions and the Turnblad Mansion during public and group tours led by ASI educators. With exclusive access to ASI content experts, these tours offer an up-close and unique experience for both the public and scheduled groups. Group tours are ideal for 10-30 people, each $20 ticket includes museum admission. Unique meal and refreshment options are available (for an additional cost) such as cookies, cocktails, or a full Swedish smörgåsbord.
Do you want to continue learning about Swedish-American culture? Have an interest you’ve never explored yet? ASI has something for everyone – cooking, languages, woodworking, needle-felting, and so much more! Our Nordic Table classes are perfect for the individual wanting to become a master in the kitchen and our intergenerational classes will bring a unique and fun experience for you and your loved one.
We have the perfect introduction class for Nordic cooking on Thursday, January 26 with Patrice Johnson, one of our resident food experts! Prepare and share a light meal while exploring the central tenets of New Nordic cuisine, including seasonality and locally sourced ingredients. Patrice will also touch upon how the environment, migration, and trade have affected foodways in both Swedish and Swedish-American communities. Leave with a new understanding of how diverse, colorful, and nutritious the Nordic Table can be! This class includes a light dinner, including an appetizer, salad, vegetarian barley risotto, dessert, and coffee.
Looking for that ultimate unique gift? The ASI Museum Store’s Gift Shop is now open, with a curated selection of handmade and imported items. Shop in person or shop online to find the perfect gift for everyone or to bring a little bit of Scandinavian details to your home. From tomtes to specialty hand-woven wool blankets, you’ll find an appealing array of gifts for any occasion.
Traditional Swedish indulgences are a signature of FIKA Cafe! Don’t miss our seasonal menus, voted one of the best restaurants by MSP Magazine, where you’re sure to find the iconic Swedish flavors of lingonberry and cardamom alongside some of the best meatballs and gravlax around.
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.