American Swedish Institute

Do NOT come to Fika cafe when you are in time constraint.All foods are made in SMALL batches and if the place is full usually on thursday, holiday seasons, special events, Be ready to wait for your food minimum half an hour.We made a mistake of going here before going to the museum. We ended up wolfing our food down so that we will have enough time to enjoy the new holiday exhibition. I wish that this is communicated to us when we get the table. Then manager did come and apologize but it was too late! We were wishing that we would have more time to actually enjoying the foods than anxiously waiting for the foods to come out. Just ruined the whole night.Aside from managements communications snafu. Foods are always great! Always get whatever is "special" of the day! You can't go wrong.

I visited the ASI on a Saturday afternoon in late October 2024 based on Yelp reviews. This was a delightful museum filled with lovely architecture, a dose of history, and art. If you've already been to the Minneapolis Institute of Art (MIA), and are willing to walk 15 minutes, ASI is a little gem! Within the main mansion, you can find guides available to answer questions about the history of the house and family. Don't miss the music room which is sunniest spot on the first floor, or the "heating room" on the second floor. The porcelain fireplaces are a special treat and energy efficient. The ASI does not have as much art as the MIA, but it feels much more intimate as you'll learn a bit about the Swedish family that owned the home, a bit of history on the Great Famine in the late 1800s (which prompted a migration of many Scandinavian families to Minnesota), and the artist (Carl Larsson) on display throughout the mansion. Would definitely recommend a visit!

This place was actually really cool inside. Lots of little exhibits, activities (they had woodcarving when I went), live music (probably not every evening), and children's areas (play area, art). The building itself is like a mansion. Lots of cool art, architecture, and history to explore. They even have places where you can take cute selfies/group photos. We were also able to get some snacks at Fika, which were enjoyable. Definitely recommend checking this place out.

I came to MN in 1988. My first visit here 2023 for a Yelp event. It may have been for St. Patrick's Day. I was also here at the end of the year for a Romanian festival for the Romanian's in MN. There's always something going on. And it's always packed. I love the Swedish items in the store. Starting with Lars Swedish Pearl Sugar. Nice large granules. $7. They have Lars Elderflower Saft (syrup). $14.50, love this stuff in a fizzy grapefruit drink. I think it should be mandatory for those moving to MN to visit here right away, so you know what you're getting into, survival, and the cultural origins. Of course the Hogg mansion is impressive. If somebody's missing they're probably living in MN.

If you live in the Twin Cities and have not been to the American Swedish Institute then you have missed something unique. The Swedish Institute is housed in a beautiful mansion dating from the 1890's. The mansion is located on Park Avenue in Minneapolis and you get a sense of what an elegant upscale neighborhood this was. The Mansion itself has beautiful carved wood work which would probably be impossible to replicate today. A visit gives a sense of what life in the gilded age must have been like for the well to do. There is a parking lot but it can fill up when there is a special program such as their Christmas Holiday exhibit. When you go take time to grab a bite at Fika's an excellent Scandinavian restaurant attached to the Institute.

Our family loves coming here during different events throughout the year. Everyone that works here is friendly and the place is stunning! Come check it out during an event

I went to the American Swedish Institute for a wedding reception and it was absolutely breathtaking! They opened up the museum for all to explore during cocktail hour and it was so fun to walk around and see all the unique spaces. The courtyard was beautifully lit and the bride and groom did their first dance there. They also had a great area upstairs for dinner. Overall I would definitely recommend hosting an event here!

Fun and enriching place to visit. A lot of history and stories of the Turnblad family who once called this their home. Beautiful and well thought out hand carved wood throughout the entire house and imported porcelain fireplaces! There are 3 floors and a lot to explore. They have very knowledgeable guides and a really nice gift shop as well. Varied special Swedish heritage exhibits are featured year round. Ample parking available and easy to get to from city center. Excellent Swed Cafe inside serving traditional fare. Gravlax was 10/10!

such a cool and interesting place not just for swedish descendents. Covers lots of interesting history beyond that and is one of the most well maintained beautiful homes I've ever been in. The cafe is great!

Absolutely beautiful museum! We really enjoyed our time here and learned a lot. Looking forward to going back and trying their restaurant!