Swedish American Museum Center
Swedish American Museum Center
The Swedish American Museum center was started in 1976 as the dream of one man, Kurt Mathiasson, who was one of the leaders of the Andersonville community and a Swedish immigrant, and it was his goal to preserve the Swedish-American heritage in Chicago.
The first Swedish American Museum was a small and humble storefront log cabin in which family histories were collected. During the U.S. Bicentennial Year, His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden, officially opened the Museum in its original location.
1987 brought a move and a renovation for the Museum and it was moved to its current location and underwent a Phase I renovation. The King of Sweden returned to celebrate the new beginnings of the Swedish American Museum Center.
1997 another renovation completed and the Museum reopened with newly added gallery space and the donations of the Nordiska Museet exhibit to its permanent collection and display for all the visitors to enjoy.
2000 - 2001 brought even more improvements to both the building the Swedish American Museum is housed in and the collection. A grand staircase to the second floor permanent exhibit was completed, and the new Children's Museum of Immigration for children ages 3-12 opened on the third floor so children can understand what it means to be an immigrant.
The Museum is free to members. A nominal donation is suggested for non-members. The Children's Museum of Immigration is included in general admission. Special group rates available, if you're going to be touring Chicago with your group, definitely check out the rates for group tours and you might get a great deal.
Be sure to visit the Swedish American Museum on your next trip to the Windy City.
