Swedish American Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 1976 |
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| Location | 5211 North Clark Street Chicago, Illinois 60640 |
| Type | Heritage Museum |
| Visitors | 43,000 (2008) |
| Public transit access | UP-N Ravenswood Red Berwyn |
The Swedish American Museum is a special place in Chicago, Illinois. It teaches visitors all about Swedish Americans. You can also learn about how people from Sweden moved to the United States. The museum is located in a neighborhood called Andersonville.
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About the Swedish American Museum
The Swedish American Museum helps people understand Swedish culture. It shows how Swedish traditions have become part of American life. The museum has many interesting items. These objects tell stories about Swedish history and people.
History of the Museum
The Swedish American Museum was started by Kurt Mathisson. This happened in 1976. The museum moved to its current home in 1987. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden was there for both events. He helped celebrate the museum's beginning and its new location.
The museum building is quite large. It has three floors and covers about 24,000 square feet. Inside, you can find around 12,000 different objects. These items make up the museum's collection. The museum is also a key part of the Chicago Cultural Alliance. This group includes 25 different cultural centers and museums in Chicago.
Fun Events and Celebrations
The museum celebrates many holidays throughout the year. It often works with the Andersonville neighborhood. This area has a strong Swedish history.
Some popular events include:
- Midsommarfest: This is a fun summer festival. It is based on the traditional Swedish Midsommar celebration.
- Santa Lucia: This is a beautiful light festival. It happens in December.
- Julmarknad: This is a Christmas market. You can find traditional Swedish handmade items there.
The Famous Water Tower
A well-known water tower used to sit above the museum. It was taken down on March 20, 2014. This happened after a very cold winter caused damage to it. But don't worry, the water tower was put back up in August 2017. It is now a landmark again.
A Home for Sweden's Consulate
In February 2024, something new happened at the museum. The Honorary Consulate of Sweden in Chicago moved into the building. This means the museum is now also a place where Swedish citizens can get help. It also helps connect Sweden and Chicago.
See also
