AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE | Experience Nordic culture at ASI!
Minnesota’s only castle! The American Swedish Institute museum and cultural center hosts spring events perfect for all-ages and interests.
The American Swedish Institute museum and cultural center announces a winter-to-spring schedule of programs for every age and interest in language, cooking, and crafts; fun happenings in the cozy Turnblad mansion, including a series of unique events perfect for every age. We have something for everyone!
Public and Group tours:
Discover the history of the Turnblad Mansion and Turnblad Family on a dynamic and interactive guided tour led by ASI educators. With exclusive access to ASI content experts, these group tours offer an up-close and unique experience for groups.
$20 per person for groups of 10-30 people. Includes museum admission. Unique meal and refreshment options available such as cookies, cocktails or a full Swedish smörgåsbord. Catering price varies, starting at $10 per person.
Cocktail Tours:
Unique guided experiences pairing a tour with a cocktail and small bites from ASI’s FIKA Café.
• Valentine’s Cocktail Tour, February 14: 5:30-7pm:
Make this Valentine’s Day special with ASI’s newest exhibition. This interactive tour features a display of historic and contemporary glass pieces representing over 100 years of artistry. Themed cocktails and small bites included. Due to the nature of this tour, patrons must be 21 years of age or older. Any intoxicated patrons can be refused admission with no refund.
***Extend your ASI Valentine’s Day experience with a specially curated dinner from our award-winning restaurant, FIKA Café. Register on asimn.org in advance.
•Waffle Day Cocktail Tour, March 21: 5:30pm-7pm
Celebrate Swedish Vaffeldagen (Waffle Day) with a special tour of the historic Turnblad Mansion and stories of Swedish food traditions. Go home with a recipe for your own waffle celebration. Themed cocktails and small bites included. Due to the nature of this tour, patrons must be 21 years of age or older.
One of the most anticipated musical weekends at ASI has returned! This Festival is sure to delight – create a full-day of fun with music, a delicious meal by our FIKA Cafe, and a visit to our new glass art exhibit, Fluidity: Identity in Swedish Glass.
• Midwinter Folk Festival Kick Off Concert Friday Feb. 17, 6 – 9 pm.
-Midwinter Folk Festival is a period of serenity and gaiety. A winter weekend of song and art. Join us for a gathering containing jam sessions, workshops, lectures, and other activities. Kick off ASI’s annual Midwinter Folk Music Festival at this intimate evening concert featuring New York-based Nyckelharpa player Alyssa Rodriquez.
Alyssa is one of the finest American players of the nyckelharpa, Sweden’s national instrument, and has studied nyckelharpa at Sibelius Academy in Helsinki, Finland and with several riksspellmän (master Swedish folk musicians) including Olov Johansson and Emilia Amper. She has appeared in Nordstjernan magazine and Nyckelharpan in Sweden, and is working on a full length nyckelharpa album of traditional and newly composed music.
• Midwinter Folk Festival Saturday, Feb. 18, 10 am – 4 pm.
The Midwinter Folk Festival at the American Swedish Institute returns with a celebration of strings! Join us for a packed day full of pop-up concerts, workshops, jam sessions, and more. All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate — and experimentation and curiosity are highly encouraged. Registration fee includes participation in all activities related to the festival. $50 ($45 ASI member)
Are you looking for an event to spend time with the whole family?
• Kids at the Castle – Fri Feb 17, Sat Feb 18, Fri March 17, Sat March 18, Fri April 21, Sat April 22. 9 to 10 am.
-Kids at the Castle has Valentine’s Day, Earth Day, and Viking themed fun-filled programs for your little ones. Advance registration required; adults required; suggested for ages 2–5. $10 per family.
-It’s a morning playdate at the castle! This action-packed creative playtime encourages adventurous young minds through circle time, storytelling, crafts, visual play, music, and movement. Each Kids at the Castle features a special theme and some exciting surprises. Adult(s) must accompany children. Suggested for ages 2-5. Space is limited; advance registration is required. Registration includes the whole family. There is no need to register each member of your household who plans to attend the event with you.
• Easter Egg Hunt at the Castle Saturday April 8, morning 9 am and afternoon 1 pm
-Embark upon the Twin Cities’ only Easter egg hunt in a castle at this intergenerational event recommended for children ten and under and their special adults. Celebrate with storytime with the Easter Witch (påskkärring), add feathers to the Easter tree (påskris), and make your own Easter table decorations and Swedish-inspired Easter cards. Register by March 24. Only children will participate in the egg hunt.
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.
ASI is located at 2600 Park Avenue in Minneapolis. Open 10 am to 8 pm on Thursdays, and 10 am to 4 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. General admission is free for ASI members and children five and under. $6 for ages 6 to 18 and students of all ages. $12 for adults. $8 for seniors age 62 and over. Walk-up museum admission is available, or register in advance.
