Swedish American Museum, Chicago

The Swedish American Museum is a cultural institution in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood, an area once known as “Little Sweden.” It preserves and celebrates the heritage and experiences of Swedish immigrants in America through historical collections, exhibitions, children’s activities, and community events. The museum occupies a 24,000-square-foot facility at 5211 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640 (also given as 5211 N. Clark Street).

The museum is a landmark in Andersonville, marked by its blue-and-yellow flag. The neighborhood’s Scandinavian heritage is also reflected in its shops, bakeries, and blue-and-yellow Swedish water tower.

History and cultural significance

Founded in 1976, the museum has developed from a place for preserving historical artifacts into a center for Swedish-American history and community programming. Its collection includes more than 12,000 artifacts, such as personal letters, textiles, and household items. The museum’s exhibitions explore Swedish immigration and settlement, while its events and programs share Swedish customs and culture.

For further information about the museum, see its About page and listings from Choose Chicago.

What to see and do

Exhibitions and collections

The permanent exhibition, “The Dream of America: Swedish Immigration to Chicago,” follows the journey from Sweden to the American Midwest and explores the history of Swedish migration and settlement in Chicago. Displays and immersive features include:

An emigrant cabin replica
A steamship steerage compartment
An Ellis Island simulation
Displays about Chicago settlement
Occupational tools and other artifacts

Rotating exhibitions feature Swedish and Swedish-American art and culture. Past examples include “Icons: An Exhibition about the Right to Exist” and “Be More Pippi!” See the museum’s Exhibits page for exhibition information.

Interactive features around the museum include touchscreens, audio guides, and hands-on activities.

Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration

The Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration, on the third floor, gives children an interactive way to explore the immigrant experience through play and role-playing. Activities include traditional costumes, dress-up, and crafts.

Floor plan

First floor Entrance, gift shop, and temporary exhibitions.
Second floor The permanent exhibition, “The Dream of America.”
Third floor Brunk Children’s Museum and event spaces.
Basement Research library and archives, available by appointment. See the museum’s Research page.

Events and tours

Annual and seasonal events include Midsommarfest, a Swedish midsummer festival with music, food, and crafts; Santa Lucia or the Lucia Festival; Julmarknad, a holiday market; and Julmiddag, a traditional Swedish Christmas dinner. Midsommarfest takes place in June, and Santa Lucia is celebrated in December. The museum also offers workshops and lectures throughout the year.

Guided tours are available by reservation or appointment. Group and school tours can be arranged through the museum’s website or by phone.

Museum shop and visitor experience

The gift shop sells Swedish imports, books, gifts, and specialty foods. Visitors can also find photo opportunities near the water tower. The museum website offers virtual tours and gallery previews. Staff are described as knowledgeable and welcoming, and the museum’s exhibits as engaging.

Practical visiting information

Hours

Published schedules differ:

Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Mondays and major holidays.
Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; check hours for holidays or special events.
Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Check the museum’s visit information and Hours & Admission for current details.

Tickets

Published admission details also differ:

Adults: $10; seniors aged 65 and older: $8; students with ID: $6; children aged 5–17: $5; children under 5: free.
Adults: $10; seniors: $8; children aged 6–17: $5; children under 6: free. Free admission is also offered during events such as Midsommarfest.
Adults: $10; seniors and children: $6; children under 6: free. Discounts for students and members.
Adults: $10; seniors and students: $7; free admission for children under 12. Free admission is also offered on the second Tuesday of each month.

Tickets are available at the entrance or online through the official website.

Getting there and parking

The address is 5211 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640. CTA Bus #22 and #36 stop nearby. The museum is accessible by the CTA Red Line, with Berwyn and Bryn Mawr stations listed as nearby; Bryn Mawr is a 10-minute walk.

Parking options include metered or paid street parking and nearby public lots. On-street parking is limited; check local regulations before arrival.

Accessibility

The museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms on each floor. Assistive listening devices are available for guided tours, and Wi-Fi is available. Staff can support visitors with special requirements; contact the museum in advance about specific needs.

Tips for visitors

Weekdays are described as less crowded, while festivals offer a distinctive way to experience Swedish traditions. Check the museum website for updates, and consider booking a guided tour. A camera may be useful for the museum and nearby water tower.

Andersonville’s bakeries and boutiques can be part of a visit to the neighborhood. The museum visit can also be combined with trips to the Chicago History Museum or Lincoln Park Zoo. Digital resources mentioned for planning include the Audiala app.

Nearby places

Andersonville has Scandinavian shops, eateries, cafes, and bakeries. Nearby places and attractions include the Andersonville Water Tower, Edgewater Historical Society, Uptown Theatre, the Polish Museum of America, and the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, as well as other Chicago museums.

FAQ

What are the museum’s visiting hours?
Published hours vary: Tuesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM; Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; or Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM. One listing says the museum is closed Mondays and major holidays. Check the museum’s visit information for current hours.

How much does admission cost?
Published prices include adult admission of $10; senior admission of $8 or $7; student admission of $6 or $7; and children’s admission of $5 or $6, with differing age ranges and free-admission thresholds. Children under 5, under 6, or under 12 are listed as free in different versions. Free admission is also listed for Midsommarfest and the second Tuesday of each month.

Is the museum accessible?
Yes. The museum is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms. Assistive listening devices are available for guided tours.

Are guided tours available?
Yes. Tours are available by reservation or appointment; group and school tours can be arranged through the museum’s website or by phone.

Does the museum host events?
Yes. Events include Midsommarfest, Santa Lucia or the Lucia Festival, Julmarknad, Julmiddag, workshops, and lectures.

What else is nearby?
Andersonville’s Scandinavian shops and eateries, the Swedish water tower, Edgewater Historical Society, Uptown Theatre, and other Chicago museums are nearby.

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