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, interests, and group size.
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.
•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.
•Disinformation Cocktail Tour, April 1: 9-10:30am
Ever wonder what myths surround the Turnblad Mansion? Come find out on this tour, where the stories you hear just might be April Fool’s myths. Themed, brunch appropriate, cocktails and small bites included. Due to the nature of this tour, patrons must be 21 years of age or older.
-Waffle Day at ASI!
You’re going to love this a-waffle lot! ASI’s annual Waffle Day is fast approaching on March 25. We just know you’re going to want to celebrate—and good news, ASI has extended this day to a full weekend to enjoy these specialty waffles that are all the rage in Sweden.
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.
Swedish waffles are unique-they are heart shaped, flat, and crispy. Common toppings include lingonberries or cloudberries and whipped cream. Or, you can opt for savory versions.
For one weekend only (March 25 & 26) waffles are available from the American Swedish Institute’s FIKA Café. We’ll have two waffle variations – one sweet and one savory. It makes for a great Sunday brunch! Pair with coffee or something stronger – FIKA makes “Bloody Swedes” – a take on a Bloody Mary but with Scandinavian aquavit.
FIKA will be serving the waffles from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. We do not take reservations. If there’s a wait, we can text you when your table is ready.
In the meantime, tour the glass exhibit, Fluidity: Identity in Swedish Glass, in the American Swedish Institute – definitely check out Jo Andersson’s U.S. debut of her exhibit, Being, in the Osher Gallery!
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.
