American Historical Swedish Museum

American Historical Swedish Museum
Believe it or not South Philadelphia is a hot spot of sorts for all things Swedish. The next time you are at the Sports Complex, or IKEA for that matter, come down Pattison Avenue and into The American Swedish Historical Museum to find out why. The museum in South Philly is the oldest Swedish Museum in the United States, built in 1926 to preserve Swedish and Swedish-American cultural heritage and traditions. The museum continues to thrive as a place where Swedes, Swedish-Americans, and people of all nationalities who enjoy Swedish history, art, architecture, music, food, science, and technology come together.

You may have already seen the beautiful museum building in scenic FDR Park and wondered whats inside. The twelve permanent galleries feature incredible architectural interiors, created in a variety of styles ranging from art-deco to international. Inside the museum visitors can trace the history of the New Sweden Colony (1638-1655) when early Swedish settlers journeyed across the Atlantic in search of economic opportunities. Explore the influence of Swedes on America from the arrival in the Delaware Valley in 1638, through the mass migration in the 19th century to the present day.

The Museums collection ranges from a Viking sword to portraits of kings; from century-old wooden household tools to modern Swedish sculptures and glass. The museum features a changing array of exhibitions on Swedish and Swedish-American history, culture and art. We also celebrate Swedish heritage with our annual events and traditional holiday observances such as Sankta Lucia Festival in December and Midsommarfest in June. Visit our website, www.americanswedish.org for an up-to-date calendar of events, classes and exhibitions.

The American Swedish Historical Museum is located at 1900 Pattison Avenue in South Philadelphia near the Sports Complex in scenic FDR Park. Plenty of free parking is available. For those taking public transportation, the Broad Street Subways Pattison Avenue stop is within walking distance or SEPTAs Route 17 (Naval Base) can bring you right to the museum.

American Swedish Museum
1900 Pattison Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
215-389-1776
American Swedish Historical Museum