The American Swedish Historical Museum: Philadelphia’s Portal to Scandinavian Heritage

The American Swedish Historical Museum

Philadelphia is a city of many stories, and nestled in its vibrant cultural landscape is the American Swedish Historical Museum, the oldest Swedish-American museum in the United States. Founded in 1926 and located in sprawling Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park in South Philadelphia, this captivating institution honors the deep roots and rich traditions of Swedish and Scandinavian Americans, offering tourists a unique cultural experience that bridges continents and centuries.

Discovering Swedish America: A Fascinating Historical Journey

From its origins as part of the New Sweden colony established along the Delaware River in 1638 to contemporary Swedish-American life, the museum’s stewards celebrate a legacy of migration, innovation, and cultural exchange. This 20,000-square-foot museum is designed to educate visitors on the enduring impact of Swedish explorers, settlers, artisans, and immigrants through twelve thoughtfully curated galleries, a reference library, and rotating exhibitions.

Visitors are greeted by the museum’s distinctive architecture inspired by the 17th-century Ericsberg Castle of Södermanland, Sweden. The building’s copper cupola modeled after Stockholm City Hall adds to its authentic spirit, blending Nordic tradition with American history.

Explore the Museum’s Rich Exhibitions and Galleries

Designed to immerse guests in Swedish culture and history, the museum features permanent galleries focusing on key themes:

New Sweden Colony: Three galleries explore the early colonial history when Sweden briefly ruled parts of Delaware Valley territory. Visitors learn about daily life, cultural traditions, and early governance of Swedish settlers. Life-sized reproductions, artifacts, and maps immerse visitors in 17th-century colonial America.
Golden Map Room: This stunning exhibit illuminates Sweden’s political power peak and visually narrates everyday life and dominions with paintings on bronze leaf by Sten Nilsson, crafted in 1938 during the museum’s foundation.
Swedish Customs and Traditions: Discover folk art, including intricate textiles and embroidery that embody Sweden’s rich craft traditions. The “Stuga” gallery recreates a 19th-century Swedish farmhouse interior—a living room filled with hand-crafted furnishings and decorations.
Fredrika Bremer Room: Devoted to women’s rights and achievements, this room honors the mid-19th-century Swedish feminist novelist Fredrika Bremer, champion of women’s emancipation and education. Her legacy remains a beacon for equality.
Jenny Lind Room: Celebrate the “Swedish Nightingale,” the internationally renowned 19th-century operatic singer whose 1850 American tour, organized by showman P.T. Barnum, captivated audiences nationwide.
String of Galleries: They celebrate Swedish-American architects and builders who shaped American urban landscapes, and showcase art Deco interiors reminiscent of the luxury ocean liners of the 1920s-30s.
Changing Gallery Exhibitions: Rotating exhibits highlight contemporary themes, including migrant stories, Swedish textile art, and Scandinavian societal issues. A recent exhibit explored the role of Swedish candy and confections in culture, blending nostalgia with art.

Educational Resources and Community Programs

The American Swedish Historical Museum is not just a display of history—it is an active cultural resource promoting understanding, dialogue, and social engagement. The museum regularly hosts events and workshops showcasing Swedish language, folk dancing, holiday traditions, arts and crafts activities, and lectures on Swedish-American contributions.

Its reference library, the Nord Library, is renowned for Scandinavian historical and genealogical research, welcoming scholars and enthusiasts alike. Visitors can tap into this resource to trace Swedish heritage or deepen their knowledge of the culture.

Why Visit? A Multisensory Cultural Experience

Tourists visiting the museum can expect:

Rich storytelling through authentic settings and vivid visual artworks.
Hands-on discovery through textiles, artifacts, and immersive recreations.
Insight into Swedish traditions like the Easter Witch folklore and craft-centered heritage.
Friendly, knowledgeable staff and guided tours to enrich every visit.

The museum’s location in FDR Park provides scenic outdoor appeal and easy access to Philadelphia’s waterfront, adding a delightful dimension to a cultural day out.

Explore Philadelphia’s Treasure Trove of Museums

Philadelphia’s cultural scene is densely packed with renowned museums that complement a visit to the American Swedish Historical Museum. Consider visiting these distinguished institutions, all within accessible distance, to fill out an enriching itinerary:

Academy of Natural Sciences, with its spectacular natural history and cutting-edge scientific exhibits.
African American Museum in Philadelphia, a dedication to African American culture and history.
The graceful arts collections of the Barnes Foundation.
Interactive discoveries await at the Franklin Institute.
Admire Auguste Rodin’s sculptures at the Rodin Museum.
Step back into revolutionary times at the Betsy Ross House.
Visit a preserved 19th-century science microcosm at the Wagner Free Institute of Science.
Appreciate American art at the Woodmere Art Museum.
Discover America’s oldest house at the Wyckoff House Museum.
Experience global cultures at the Penn Museum.
Delve into literature and rare books at the Rosenbach Museum & Library.
Explore science history at the Science History Institute.
Discover firefighting history at the Fireman’s Hall Museum.

Plan Your Visit Today

The American Swedish Historical Museum invites visitors to explore the enduring legacy and vibrant culture of Swedish America through art, artifacts, and interactive programs. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 4 PM, and weekends from 12 PM to 4 PM. Admission fees are moderate, with discounts for seniors, students, and groups. Free admission is offered on the second Sunday of each month.

Located at 1900 Pattison Avenue in FDR Park, the museum also hosts event spaces for weddings, corporate meetings, and community events, offering a beautiful and historic setting for gatherings with a Scandinavian flair.

Learn more about current exhibitions, educational programs, and special events by visiting the American Swedish Historical Museum website.

An Enriching Cultural Destination

A visit to the American Swedish Historical Museum offers more than a glance at Scandinavian heritage—it invites you on a profound journey through history, art, tradition, and innovation. Whether you are a cultural enthusiast, history buff, or a family seeking educational adventures, this museum brings vibrant stories and timeless crafts to life in a uniquely engaging way.

Combined with Philadelphia’s dynamic museum district and the wealth of historic and artistic experiences nearby, it offers an indispensable chapter in your Philadelphia travel itinerary.

Embrace the legacy of Swedish America and enrich your Philadelphia experience at this one-of-a-kind institution.

Visit The American Swedish Historical Museum

Name: American Swedish Historical Museum
Address: 1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Phone Number: (215) 389-1776
Email Address: info@americanswedish.org
Map Location: 1900 Pattison Avenue on Map

Ticket Information

Adults: $15
Seniors/Students: $10
Children (5-11): $5
Children under 5: Free
ACCESS Card Holders: $2 per adult and children over 5
Members: Free
Free admission on the second Sunday of each month
Discounts and special offers available for veterans, military, WHYY members, AAA members, and IKEA Family Members

General Admission Information

Open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturdays and Sundays, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Closed Mondays and major holidays (New Year’s Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day)
Group visits and tours available by appointment

Accessibility Information

Accessible parking available at the rear entrance on Pattison Avenue
Ramp access and assistance provided; caregivers accompanying visitors with special needs are admitted free
Service dogs welcome as defined by ADA, other support animals not permitted

Additional Visitor Information

Museum contains 12 galleries covering Swedish art, history, culture, and design from the Viking Age to modern times
Educational programs, concerts, lectures, and special events regularly held
Museum gift shop and event rental spaces available
Website: www.americanswedish.org
Social media: Facebook and Instagram @americanswedish