American Swedish Institute

The American Swedish Institute, founded in 1929 by Swan J. Turnblad, is a historic house/museum offering a variety of programs designed to celebrate Swedish culture. The Turnblad mansion, which houses the Institute, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the only castle in the Twin Cities.

The museum, located within the historic Turnblad mansion, showcases the Institute's collection of Swedish glass, decorative and fine arts, textiles, and items from Sweden. The permanent exhibit "Swedish Life in the Twin Cities" explores the local Swedish-American community through photographs, diaries, vintage recordings and immigrant artifacts.

The mission of the American Swedish Institute is to serve as a gathering place for people to share stories and experiences around universal themes of tradition, migration, craft, and the arts, all informed by enduring ties to Sweden. The American Swedish Institute, a museum and cultural center of distinguished history and international reputation, exists to preserve and share the landmark 1908 Turnblad Mansion, celebrate and teach about Sweden and Swedish-America, and promote and practice the values of respect for all peoples and the environment that are exemplified in the Nordic countries.