How to Spend a Day at the American Swedish Institute

The American Swedish Institute is one of Minneapolis' most popular museums for a reason. You can explore the historic Turnblad Mansion, learn about Swedish culture through interactive exhibits, dine at the museum's critically acclaimed restaurant, FIKA Café, shop for Swedish and Nordic art pieces and gifts at the museum store, and even take a cultural arts or language class — all in one place. Before you go, read this guide for helpful information about tickets, parking and accessibility, and everything else you'll experience at the museum.

Tickets, Parking & Accessibility

Day Itinerary

Arts & Culture Classes

About the American Swedish Institute

If you’ve driven down Minneapolis’s Park Avenue, you’ve likely risked whiplash when passing the Turnblad Mansion. Looking positively royal with turrets, gargoyles, and stately limestone bricks, it’s no wonder it goes by the nickname, “the castle.” Minnesotans have the Swedish immigrant family of Swan and Christina Turnblad to thank for this impressive residence-turned-museum. But what do you really know about the American Swedish Institute?

About the Turnblad Mansion

Anyone who’s ever dreamed of living in a dollhouse will love exploring the ornately decorated mansion, which was built between 1904 and 1908. There are more than thirty uniquely styled rooms, featuring carved mahogany and other woodwork, astoundingly detailed ceiling art, and tile fireplaces imported from Sweden. While the Turnblad family did, indeed, once reside here, it wasn’t for long. In 1929, they generously donated their mansion to become a cultural time capsule of Swedish heritage.

About the Nelson Cultural Center

Whereas the Turnblad Mansion glows with history and ornate charm, the Nelson Cultural Center, built in 2012, is a modern structure, celebrating the clean lines and spaces modern Scandinavia is known for. Together with the mansion, it completes what is collectively known as the American Swedish Institute, or ASI. The Nelson Cultural Center is where visitors begin their tour. The front desk is staffed with friendly and helpful individuals who can check you in, or help you purchase entry tickets on the spot. Although the space does occasionally hold exhibits, it’s best known for housing ASI’s finely curated museum store and Fika Café.

About Fika Café

Fika Café opened in 2012, and has grown into a cherished Nordic eatery in Minneapolis. Fika’s buttoned up menu is dedicated to open-faced sandwiches of the salmon, shrimp, and other delicacy varieties; classically tangy and comforting Swedish meatballs; cured—but not smoked—gravlax; and soft-cooked radish fricassee, among other Nordic mainstays. If you’ve never had the opportunity to sip a shrub soda, give Fika’s a try. (It’s a tasty drink made from a vinegar-based syrup that is equal parts refreshing and sweet, with the perfect amount of zip.) Or, choose from Fika’s beer and wine lists, or house brew coffees and teas. But whatever you decide, indulge with the knowledge that you’re partaking in the Swedish ritual of fika—intentionally taking time for coffee and a treat.

Hours, Tickets, Accessibility and Parking Information

Hours: 10 am - 4 pm, Tuesday - Sunday

Tickets: Become a member (admission is free), or purchase day passes

Adults: $20
Seniors: $18
Students: $12
Limited Income: $1
Children under 6: Free

Accessibility Features

Handicap parking
Elevators grant access from the basement to the turret
Wheelchairs available
Assistive listening devices available during tours
Family, handicap, and all-gender restrooms
Service animals welcome

Parking: Free lot on ASI's campus, at 27th St. and Park Ave.

Sample Itinerary: How to spend a day at the American Swedish Institute

Swedish or not, the ASI welcomes you to explore, learn, and enjoy this rich cultural heritage. What can you expect from a day at the ASI? True and utter Scandinavian delight.

Before you go: Purchase your ticket ahead of time, or procure same-day tickets at the front desk. (Check ASI’s calendar in advance, as event days may sell out.)

9:45 a.m. Take advantage of ASI’s free parking lot at 27th St. and Park Ave.

10 a.m. Doors open. Välkomna! Helpful greeters will check you in and point you in the direction of the mansion.

10:15 a.m. For now, resist the gift shop (we know, it’s SO good) and Fika Café (we know, SO GOOD!). Instead, begin with a self-guided, self-paced tour of the Turnblad Mansion. (Alternatively, guided tours are occasionally available at 1:30 pm. Just ask at the front desk when you arrive. If so, swap this itinerary around.) Now is the time to meander, peruse, breathe in another time, another culture, another life. There are 33 rooms, and absolutely no rush. Photos are welcome (no flash, please).

12:30 p.m. By now, you may be feeling hungry. Circle back, and follow your nose to Fika Café. There may be a waitlist, so get your name on it, and use the time to check out the museum store. Find goods from bright Dala horses to Swedish cooking products, to traditional glassware and even jewelry.

1 p.m. Feast at Fika. You’ve likely never had the opportunity to dine on Swedish dishes in the way Fika Café serves them up. Treat this as a special occasion, and lean in to trying something new.

2 p.m. While enjoying your meal, you might consider re-entering the mansion. Did you make it to the turret? The lower level? How many tile stoves did you count? Your entry pass is good all day, so you’re welcome to return.

4 p.m. After you’ve taken it all in, breathe a happy sigh, and take your leave with a good bit more Swedish delight and knowledge than you entered with.

Annual Events at the American Swedish Institute

The ASI is known for its annual events. We’ve highlighted some of the biggest ones here.

Midwinter Folk Festival

A three-day event in mid-February, this festival is known for live Nordic folk music, performances, workshops, and demonstrations. Daily ticket prices range from $5–$40.

Midsommar Celebration

Celebrate the longest day of the year in Swedish style! Live music, dancing around the maypole, and other family-friendly activities fill this joyful day.

Cocktails at the Castle

Enjoy an adults-only night out at the Turnblad Mansion, where you’ll enjoy music, art, demonstrations, make-and-takes, cocktails and mocktails, and craft beers. Watch ASI’s website for details closer to the fall event. Ages 21+.

Annual Julmarknard Handcraft Market & Festival

Local artists bring their wares to the ASI for three days in early December, and shoppers enjoy pop-up musical performances, family crafts and story time, and festive holiday foods. Timed entry tickets are required, and range from $12–$24.

Winter Solstice Celebration

Long winter nights got you down? Embrace twilight and partake in ASI’s annual celebration of the longest night of the year.

Staple Exhibits at the American Swedish Institute

Norse Saga Room

Located in the lower level of the Turnblad Mansion, the Norse Saga Room is a space dedicated to Norse mythology, as told through picturesque carvings and other folk art. Learn about the Viking experience through this unique expression of art.

Nature Story Family Gallery Experience

Also located in the lower level, you’ll find the ASI’s Family Gallery Experience. Children are invited into this interactive space to explore and learn about Minnesota’s particular beauty and nature.

Tomte Tales: Legends of Winter

Who is Tomte? During the holiday season, you can learn all about this Swedish house guardian. His tale is told throughout the mansion, leading you from room to room as you discover more about him, and even meet other fantastical holiday characters.

Other exhibits are interwoven throughout the year. See ASI’s website for what’s on display at any given time.

Swedish Arts, Culture & Language Classes at the American Swedish Institute

Once you’ve been properly hoodwinked by the ASI’s Swedish charm, explore Scandinavian projects and classes. Too extensive to list here, we’ve compiled just a few to give you a taste. See ASI’s website and subscribe to their calendar for a complete listing.