American Swedish Institute Tour

Today three of my friends and I toured the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. It is also known as the Turnblad Mansion. The mansion was built in 1908 after Swan Turnblad (a newspaper man) and his wife and daughter had visited their homeland of Sweden and Europe where Swan fell in love with castles. Upon returning to America, he hired a builder to create a castle on the beautiful Park Avenue, the only paved road in Minneapolis at the time. Eventually the Turnblad's donated this home to the Swedish people of Minneapolis. It is very beautiful—both inside and out.

This little room is inside one of the turrets. Seated are my friends Kathy, Nancy C and Nancy R

This gorgeous stained glass window overlooks the Grand Hall.

Kathy, Nancy R and Nancy C next to one of the many ceramic fireplaces.

I love the ceilings in this mansion. This photo does not do it justice. The flowers and motifs are 3-D, and are made of polycom, then adhered to the plaster before it dried. It was then painted. 

Check out the carved woodwork! (Double click to enlarge for more detail.)

Nancy C lifting the krumkake iron lid. This is in the kitchen.

Nancy R and me

This gorgeous chandelier is in the dining room. All of the light fixtures are original to the home.

The music room

The salon

After touring the museum, we had lunch in FIKA, the adjoining restaurant. This lunch of meatballs and mashed potatoes, with lingonberries and mustard sauce was delicious! It was topped with cucumbers. 

Nancy R had a beautiful cheese/vegetable sandwich on Swedish rye bread. She said it was really good.

Kathy had a brussel spout dish with figs. She really liked it.