In South Philadelphia’s FDR Park, the American Swedish Historical Museum traces Swedish life and influence in the United States. Its 12 galleries cover the New Sweden colony, immigration, women’s history and Swedish craft arts, with themed rooms such as the New Sweden gallery and Golden Map room. Look for the Latin deed dated 1288 and displays of handmade clothing, paintings and other artifacts. The 1926 building draws on Swedish and American architectural models, and a visit can also include a walk around the surrounding park.
A museum shaped by Swedish-American history
The American Swedish Historical Museum opened in 1926, during Philadelphia’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. Its founding set out to preserve and present the history of Swedish contributions to the United States. The museum stands in what is now Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park in South Philadelphia, on land connected to the story of New Sweden.
New Sweden was a colony along both banks of the Delaware River, established in 1638 and lasting until 1655. Its history gives the museum a local focus: Philadelphia and the surrounding Delaware Valley were part of the region where Swedish colonists settled. The galleries also follow Swedish immigration and the influence of Swedish Americans in fields including art, design, literature and music.
Architecture and the galleries
The museum building takes inspiration from a seventeenth-century Swedish manor house. Its design also draws on Stockholm City Hall and Mount Vernon, George Washington’s home. Arched galleries flank the main building, adding a distinctive architectural detail to the exterior.
Inside, 12 permanent galleries organize the collection around different subjects. The New Sweden gallery addresses the colony’s history, while other rooms focus on Swedish immigration, women’s history and craft arts. The Golden Map room is another themed space. Together, the galleries connect the Swedish past with the lives and work of Swedish Americans.
The collection includes paintings, furniture, tapestries, textiles and other historical objects. One notable document is a Latin-language purchase deed dated 1288, concerning a copper-mining enterprise. Handmade clothing and painted ceilings add visual detail to the visit. A model of John Ericsson’s solar steam engine is also part of the collection.
A visit with children or time for the park
The museum has a permanent Pippi Longstocking exhibition for younger visitors. It includes a dress-up trunk, a kitchen and a cabinet of objects. A gallery hunt encourages children to continue exploring beyond the Pippi room.
The museum also has a research library with books on Swedish and Swedish-American art, history and related subjects, as well as a museum store. The building includes a large dining and conference area. These facilities are part of the museum’s setting, though the central focus of a visit is the exhibition galleries.
Set aside a couple of hours if you want time for the themed rooms and their details. The museum is inside FDR Park, so you can add a walk through the park before or after your visit. Weekdays may be a quieter time to explore than weekends.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should I plan for the American Swedish Historical Museum?
Allow at least a couple of hours to explore the themed galleries. Some visits take more than two and a half hours.
What can I see at the museum?
Its 12 galleries cover New Sweden, Swedish immigration, women’s history and Swedish craft arts. The collection includes a Latin deed dated 1288 and a model of John Ericsson’s solar steam engine.
Is there anything for children?
Yes. The permanent Pippi Longstocking exhibition has a dress-up trunk, a kitchen and a cabinet of objects. A gallery hunt leads children through other parts of the museum.
Where is the American Swedish Historical Museum?
It is at 1900 Pattison Ave in Philadelphia’s FDR Park.
