ASF + Scandinavia House

ASF + Scandinavia House The leading center for Nordic culture in the U.S., Scandinavia House offers a wide range of programs and is the home of ASF.
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Located at 58 Park Avenue at 38th St., NYC. Support ASF here: https://go.amscan.org/Donations Established in 1911 by Danish-American industrialist Niels Poulson and a group of other forward-thinking leaders from business and education, the American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) was the first international non-governmental society to have as its sole purpose the development of goodwill through educ

ational and cultural exchange. It was designed to meet the needs of its time through fellowships, scholarly exchange, exhibitions, and publications. These programs have grown over the years, and along with the cultural programs at Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America, have provided a comprehensive platform for ongoing international exchange between the United States and the Nordic countries. This international work is at the heart of the Foundation’s mission. Each year, ASF awards over $800,000 in fellowships and grants to individual students, scholars, professionals, and artists for study and research in the United States and abroad. To date, some 30,000 Americans and Scandinavians have participated in these and other ASF programs of study, research, or practical training. In October 2000, ASF opened Scandinavia House as a showplace for Nordic culture and life. Since its founding, it has welcomed over 1.5 million visitors, who have come to enjoy exhibitions, performances, lectures, and more. Scandinavia House was financed by the generosity of more than 300 donors from the U.S. and abroad, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, as well as the Nordic governments and the Nordic Council of Ministers. Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America, the leading center for Nordic culture in the United States, offers a wide range of programs that illuminate the culture and vitality of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. Scandinavia House offerings include diverse exhibitions and film series, as well as concerts and other performances, readings, lectures, symposia, language courses, and children’s activities. Designed by the internationally renowned Polshek Partnership Architects (now Ennead Architects) and inaugurated in October 2000, Scandinavia House is the headquarters of the American-Scandinavian Foundation (ASF) and the site of ASF’s cultural and educational programming.

07/21/2026

Beloved in Nordic countries for her highly original style, Helene Schjerfbeck (1862–1946) is relatively unknown to the rest of the world. Overcoming immense personal struggles and working in a remote location for decades, she produced a powerful body of work through sheer force of will. See a virtual discussion on the work and life of Finnish painter Helene Schjerfbeck:

See a discussion on the work and life of Finnish painter Helene Sch...

07/21/2026

Join us on September 15 for a discussion and presentation on The Home of the Drowned! Author Elin Anna Labba will be joined by a moderator to delve into her debut novel, a haunting, multigenerational saga of a family of Sámi women fighting the devastation of their way of life.

Join us on September 15 for a discussion and presentation on "The Home of the Drowned" with August Prize-winning Sámi author Elin Anna Labba.

07/20/2026

See a Virtual Studio Visit with the Norwegian – American artist Ida Lorentzen in Oslo, Norway! Ida Lorentzen is known for her paintings of rooms, spaces and light, with works reflecting both Nordic mystical detachment and stark American realism and filled with a deep reverence to history of places and lived life.

Watch the full clip:

See a Virtual Studio Visit with the Norwegian – American artist Ida...

07/20/2026

Our teen art workshops return tomorrow at 12 (July 21)! Each class invites a meditative and attentive approach, encouraging students to discover inspiration from both inner and outer worlds. Sessions conclude with supportive group reflections that honor each participant’s process and discoveries. In tomorrow's course, students will explore and experiment with using graphite pencils and charcoal on paper.

Explore and experiment with graphite and charcoal on paper in this workshop for teens led by Margrethe Aanestad.

What do Vikings know about raising children? Turns out, quite a bit. After a decade of living and raising her family in ...
07/17/2026

What do Vikings know about raising children? Turns out, quite a bit. After a decade of living and raising her family in Denmark, Helen Russell noticed important differences in Danish kids. They eat differently, learn differently, and even sleep differently. And then they grow up to be some of the happiest adults on the planet. So her question was: how? See a past virtual discussion with Helen Russell on her book "The Danish Secret to Happy Kids" as she discusses her deeply researched guide to the Danish way of parenting.

See a discussion with Helen Russell on the launch of her new book "...

07/16/2026

Browse the newest Nordic summer design trends at The Shop! The Shop at Scandinavia House is a lifestyle shop featuring a curated and rotating luxe collection of home décor, tableware, fashion, accessories, children’s, books, gifts and confections. From the recognizable classics and renowned brand names to emerging artists, a journey through Scandinavia awaits. Open Tuesday through Saturday!

The Shop at Scandinavia House offers a range of contemporary and classic modern Nordic design, including fashion, accessories and more.

07/16/2026

Every Thursday and Saturday, The Children's Center is open to members and the public! This magical interior landscape transports children from Park Avenue all the way to Scandinavia and back again, without the need for an airplane ticket! Learn more about the center and sign up for a play session here:

Young children have fun while learning about the culture of Scandinavia through books, toys, art workshops, and interactive programs.

07/15/2026

Next week, on July 21, we will be hosting an art workshop where teens will dive into the exciting world of color through hands-on exploration and playful experimentation. During this course, students will explore and experiment with using graphite pencils and charcoal on paper.

Register:

Explore and experiment with graphite and charcoal on paper in this workshop for teens led by Margrethe Aanestad.

“Scandinavia House makes culture feel alive, like you are actually visiting and interacting with it instead of viewing i...
07/15/2026

“Scandinavia House makes culture feel alive, like you are actually visiting and interacting with it instead of viewing it embalmed behind glass” — thank you to Alina Gattrell for the review of our Jenny Lind Bowl event in Tawk of New Yawk (Tawk of New Yawk 🌃)! Presented alongside Björk Cafe & Bistro, AO Glass, and BonBon - A Swedish Candy Co., this special learning, tasting, and crafting experience celebrated Swedish National Day with an homage to legendary opera singer Jenny Lind and the design work she inspired.

Read Alina’s full review at tawkofnewyawk.com or find it in our bio link, and stay tuned for more Nordic food- and design-inspired cultural programs coming this fall!

The Faroe Islands – 18 islands in the North Atlantic — are grains of sand compared to America. What does art look like i...
07/15/2026

The Faroe Islands – 18 islands in the North Atlantic — are grains of sand compared to America. What does art look like in this small place? While Faroese artists only first received formal education 100 years ago, today many artists live and practice on the Islands.

Watch a lecture by Dagmar Malena Winther, Acting Director of The National Gallery of the Faroe Islands (Listasavn Føroya)! This program took place on June 20 as part of Fog Swept Islands: Faroe Islands Culture Days where Winther discussed Faroese cultural identity within the contemporary arts landscape.

Watch a lecture by Dagmar Malena Winther, Acting Director of The Na...

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58 Park Avenue
New York, NY
10016

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