Beginning in March ASHM’s changing exhibition gallery will host a community exhibition Through the Eyes of Philadelphia’s New Americans: Art, Resilience, and Community from our Philadelphia neighbor SEAMAAC. This exhibition includes art pieces created as part of SEAMAAC resilience art programs over the past five years.
From the age of the Vikings to the settlers of the New Sweden Colony (1638-1655), to contemporary issues in Scandinavian society, the American Swedish Historical Museum will take you back in time and across the sea to learn the stories of Swedes in America.
Current Special Exhibitions
The Sweetest Side of Life: Swedish Candy and Confections is a new pop-up exhibition at the American Swedish Historical Museum featuring the collection of Tyler Graybeal, owner of Sweetish–Swedish Candy and Goods. Tyler is an avid collector of vintage Swedish Candy tins, wrappers, bottles, postcards, and advertisements. Though candy is a major part of Swedish culture, it is more than just a sugary indulgence. It reflects the nation's emphasis on togetherness, balance, and the celebration of life's little pleasures.
Weaving a New Chapter: The Material Lives of Swedish Immigrants tells the story of Swedish immigration to America through the objects they brought with them in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sweden’s craft and textile history has been an intrinsic part of Swedish heritage and cultural identity at home and abroad. Swedish immigrants produced remarkable fiber arts for centuries and brought their knowledge of weaving, knitting, embroidery, lacemaking, and trade skills to their new homes.
Launched in 1928, the same year construction of the American Swedish Historical Museum was completed, the Swedish ocean liner Kungsholm was one of the earliest vessels decorated in the Art Deco style. The Kungsholm’s fashionable passenger spaces made her a popular ship, even during the Great Depression.
The ASHM is celebrating 300 years of Scandinavian glass in its renovated gallery.