Q: Tell us about your organization.

Scandinavia House is the leading center for Nordic culture in the U.S. and offers a wide range of programs including exhibitions, film series, concerts and other performances, readings, lectures, symposia, language courses, and activities for kids and families. It is also the home of the American-Scandinavian Foundation, which since 1910 has facilitated educational, cultural and professional exchange between the U.S. and Nordic countries. The building was designed by Polshek Partnership Architects, now Ennead Architects, and inaugurated in October 2000.

‍

‍

Q: Highlight one recent initiative, program, or exhibition.  

Opening in November 2024, the exhibition Nordic Utopia? African Americans in the 20^th Century will explore the undertold stories of African American artists who sought new possibilities, inspiration and environments in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in the years following WWII—including cultural figures such as Doug Crutchfield, Herb Gentry, Dexter Gordon, William Henry Johnson, Howard Smith and Walter Williams—through a range of artifacts, artworks, and documentary material.

‍

‍

Q: What is something about your organization that most people don’t know/unfamiliar with?

Visitors are often surprised by how wide and varied our programs here are — we do a lot! In addition to ongoing exhibitions in our galleries, which explore visual art, architecture, design and history from the Nordic countries, we have a very robust film program, with screenings of contemporary Nordic cinema and special events like the NY Baltic Film Festival and Nordic & Baltic Oscar Contenders. Our discussions range from literary panels and book talks, to arts and design symposia, to history and cultural lectures, and we feature performing arts and concerts spanning folk to classical. We also offer ongoing Nordic language courses and a range of adult and family workshops. The building is also a very holistic space, and includes the Heimbold Family Children’s Playing & Learning Center, which was designed by KOKO Architecture + Design to incorporate Scandinavian design with an emphasis on early childhood sensory perception.

‍

‍

‍

Q: What is something in your neighborhood/area near your organization that you would recommend doing/seeing/eating etc. if someone was to visit?  

We’d recommend dining at Björk Cafe & Bistro, the restaurant located in our building operated by renowned chef Ulrika Bengtsson and Sabina Lindmark, which features Nordic classics like a Smörgåsbord plate, meatballs, Smørrebrød and savory waffles; and we’d also recommend checking out all the cool Nordic design items, fashion, and treats in the Shop at Scandinavia House.

‍

Q: How does your organization’s mission intersect with Archtober’s mission?

Scandinavia House programming aims to support cultural engagement between the U.S. and Nordic countries, including on topics of design and architecture. This includes discussions like the upcoming talk with Craig Dykers and Elaine Molinar of Norwegian-American design firm Snøhetta; other recent events have included a design talk with Blue Lagoon Iceland, and a panel on Swedish designer Greta Magnusson Grossman. The American-Scandinavian Foundation also offers a wide range of fellowships and grants to Nordic and American students, scholars, professionals and artists, including a number of notable architects and designers.

‍

‍

Q: What was the biggest change that your institution has witnessed in recent years?

This fall, we completed a major renovation of our exterior! But the biggest change in recent years might be our offerings of virtual programs, including panels, book talks, and also film screenings); we began doing this in 2020, but since then it has enabled us to continue presenting discussions that otherwise wouldn’t be able to take place in New York. You can see them all on our YouTube channel.

‍

Q: How does your organization see the future of architecture and design in NYC?  

The wonderful thing about New York is that it is always changing, and we owe so much of that to the designers and architects who are constantly innovating our landscape! Certainly one of the most important subjects in contemporary design is sustainability and reducing (or course-correcting) environmental impact; we are constantly impressed by the new solutions and technology developed by architects and designers to address this, so we expect that will be a big part of the future here. Also, ways of addressing our city’s constant population growth and creating more pedestrian and bike safety.

‍

‍

‍

Q: What is a design object in your collection (or a building on your campus) that you would like to highlight?  
Our entry atrium features Poul Henningsen’s “Artichoke” lamps—make sure to look up when you come in!