Swedish American Museum Center

Category: Museum

It was the dream of Kurt Mathiasson, one of the leaders of the Andersonville community and a Swedish immigrant, to preserve the Swedish-American heritage in Chicago. The first museum was a small storefront log cabin in which family histories were collected. In 1976, the Museum officially opened. In 1987, the Museum moved to its current location and underwent a Phase I renovation. Even the King of Sweden visited to celebrate the new beginnings of the Swedish American Museum Center. In 1997, the Museum completed its Phase ll renovation adding new gallery space and the donations of the Nordiska Museet exhibit to its permanent collection and display. In 2001, a grand staircase to the second floor permanent exhibit was completed, and the new Children's Museum of Immigration, an interactive, hands-on museum for children ages 3-12, opened on the third floor.

The Museum Center is located in Andersonville, a traditionally Swedish area of Chicago's north side. The entire community welcomes Swedish Americans and celebrates all of the Swedish holidays. Merchants and residents turn out for the very traditional Midsummer, Lucia and Christmas celebrations. Tourists visit the area continually to sample Swedish food, buy gifts and visit the Museum Center.