american swedish institute

I loved this place as a kid, and was really excited to see it again with the addition of the restaurant and museum area. They have done an absolutely marvelous job of renovating the mansion, and the addition is very nice. I could not have been more excited and surprised at the terrific renovation....on all three floors. They also had Noble Prize exhibits throughout the museum, and staff was friendly and very well informed. Highly recommended, even if you aren't a little Swedish.

I've been wanted to see the American Swedish Institute for many years now. Arriving around noon, I had a bite to eat at FIKA, their in-house café, followed by a tour through the impressive old mansion that seems to always have some sort of special exhibit going on. When I was there, it was Nobel Awards related. The volunteer guides are knowledgeable and engaging. It was very cold when I was there, so I didn't get the change to enjoy the exterior courtyard.

Whether you descend from Swedish relatives or not, you will enjoy the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. It is a beautiful, historic building, through which you can receive a guided tour. If you have Swedish heritage, you will find all kinds of interesting displays recalling the history of your countrymen. There is also a lovely restaurant where you can relax and enjoy the lovely surroundings. Parking is easy, and the staff is so very friendly.

It is wonderful with great tour guides, also a cute café in the lobby. Loved it, even if you are not Swedish heritage. Great gift shop for that extra special gift for yourself or a friend.

The decorative features of the Turnblad mansion are worth a visit. Well presented and preserved. The ASI's restaurant, Fika, is also well worth taking in.

What a great place to have available to see such an important cultural aspect in the the growth and history of Minnesota. Not only interesting as to the various visiting displays that might come from Sweden and also dealing with Swedish-American aspects of life in the Upper Midwest, it also offers a glimpse of what the gilded life in Minneapolis at the turn of the century in the wonderful Turnblad House.I am not Swedish, but still appreciate the many contributions they have made to the high quality of life here.If you can perhaps take the time stop in, have a meal or snack, by all means do so. This would get my vote over a visit to the Mall of America.Jim from Maplelag in Minnesota

I have been here for a couple of events and really enjoyed myself. The mansion makes for a great backdrop to any party. We have toured the mansion as well. While interesting I don't believe the historical significance as it pertains to Minneapolis' past is great.There is a cool restaurant and gift shop there as well.

We make a point of visiting the American Swedish Institute every time we visit our daughter and her family in the area, especially at Christmas. The Turnblad Mansion is gloriously decorated at Christmas. There are many wonderful programs and even special events including dinner you may attend. If you don't "feel" the Season, you will after time spent here. There are always Scandinavian design exhibitions. It's wonderful to see the main dining room prepared for a grand dinner. We've even seen it set for dinner for the King and Queen of Sweden before their last visit. Our young grandchildren even love it. Our 4 year old granddaughter loves to twirl with Grandpa in the ballroom. She beamed like a Disney Princess. The kids love the music programs. There are two great play houses on the top floor. Be prepared to spend a fair amount of time up there with young children. There is an elevator available. The kids have also taken part in craft classes before. There's also a large Swedish Horse for rides.There's a relatively new modern addition to the mansion.This includes office and classroom/meeting spaces, coat area and large, immaculate restrooms. There's also an wonderful gift shop. Our home windows here in Michigan softly gleam with traditional "candle" lights mounted on a traditional red, wooden base from the shop. There is a wide range of items available from books to jewelry to Christmas items , etc. There is a large parking lot, but at Christmas or during special events, it's best to arrive early or you'll have to find on street parking. Parking can be a challenge, but don't let that deter you. There's also a wonderful, small restaurant with great food. Try the cardamon rolls for sure. We made a mistake and didn't sign the wait list as soon as we came in this last time. By the time we were ready for lunch, the wait was over an hour and a half. That doesn't work with a four year old in tow. We'll do better next time.You can access the gift shop and restaurant without paying the entrance fee. The Institute offers many classes and programs. You can sign up for their eblasts. Include this wonderful attribute of the Minneapolis area in your plans.

Almost every time we visit Minneapolis, we make a visit to the American Swedish Institute. The museum is especially beautiful at Christmas as all of the rooms are decorated for the holiday. This year different rooms were decorated to represent the Scandinavian and Baltic countries of Europe.Of course, the visit to the museum is not complete unless we stop and have a meal at FIKA- the wonderful little bistro at the facility. The food there is fantastic, even though it is a little pricey.

When our friends took us to the American Swedish Institute, we discovered that it was actually the Turnblad Mansion, former home of Swedish family Swan, Christina and Lillian Turnblad. The Mansion has three floors, all with elaborate original furnishings from the family. The highlight was the Grand Hall which contains a beautifully carved two story Honduran mahogany fireplace. As you walk thru each room, your eyes will open in disbelief as you gaze at the walls, ceilings, painted glass windows, porcelain fireplaces and furnishings. It's like going back in time to 1908. The best time to go is around Christmas when the mansion has beautiful decorations. You might even see a unknown female ghost in the Ballroom. Christina?

A very interesting place with much to offer. We took the self walking tour of the mansion and it was fabulous to see how people lived over 100 years ago. We also approached one of the guides located in a main room to begin hearing the story of the original family that built this wonderful place.

it's beautiful place you take not long time to visit. But is a litlle bit expensive. They have parking and restaurant.

We took part in a Saturday afternoon tour of the Turnblad House. The home is opulently decorated, though few of the rooms are actually furnished. The docent was informed of the history of the family and articles in the household. It was at times hard to hear the guide, as other visitors (not on the tour) were free to roam and would come in and out of our group.Aside from the house your, we also browsed through the Swedish gifts store in the adjacent modern facility. The cafe was very busy, though we did not eat.

It is well preserved and displays are lovely. We went for the Christmas displays. Each room was beautifully appointed with a lot of attention to details. We had a "local" giving us a tour-but there are also helpful docents to answer questions. Though not 100% my "cup of tea" it was an enjoyable visit.

Though the entrance appears modern, the American Sewdish Institute is actually a very beautiful, ornate building, housing rooms representing all the Scandanavian countries. We enjoyed this very much, seeing what made each country a bit different. The woodworking in the building is wonderful. I love Scandanavian design, and it was great to see so much of it displayed in one place. although we didn't eat in the Cafe, we did enjoy a cup of Glogg, a truly delicious experience. We actually returned the next day to have another cup!! We will definitely return. There is a wonderful gift shop as well.