Swedish American Museum image

Swedish American Museum

Tourist attraction Museum Non profit organization

Celebrating Nordic culture & history with various programs including exhibits, tours & a kids' area. People often mention museum, Swedish, kids, friendly, great, area, time,


Address

5211 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640

Website

www.swedishamericanmuseum.org

Contact

(773) 728-8111

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (266 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 11 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Wednesday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Thursday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 4 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: museum (22) Swedish (12) kids (7) friendly (6) great (6) area (6) time (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Luke S. 5 years ago on Google • 47 reviews
    It has grown over the years. It is in the perfect Swedish neighborhood (Andersonville) for this museum. The top floor where the kids can interact and play is probably my favorite. Afterwards go across the street and get some delicious glug slushie at Simon's!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Isaac L. 11 months ago on Google • 456 reviews
    Fantastic museum, even though the main exhibit is being remodelled. The guides and staff were friendly. There's a good selection of art and interesting artifacts, such as the model ship in the window. The children's museum on the top floor seems very fun.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Will T. 10 months ago on Google • 442 reviews
    A fantastic museum! I can't wait for the other exhibits to be done. The front door receptionist is a fascinating person to talk to 🙂 as well as the woman that runs a gift shop. My Swedish heritage thoroughly enjoyed this experience and I highly recommend it!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M S. 5 years ago on Google
    Surprisingly extensive permanent exhibits. The bottom gallery rotates exhibits and bring in some very impressive artists and pieces. Was great to read all about the famous American brands that were started by Swedes! Kids museum and play area is fantastic, lots too keep the little ones entertained.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Matt B. 2 years ago on Google
    This used to be a good place to take your kids. Now it's a joke. Kids area closed and they have a new exhibit with a play kitchen kids can "look at". Have you never interacted with a child before?
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Louise C. 3 years ago on Google
    My Honey and I came here to see the free exhibit! In my opinion what the museum staff/artist called "Modern Art" I have a different opinion! Still some pieces had a novel design! I am glad we came and saw the art.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Armando P. 3 years ago on Google
    Totally loved the place. How I wish we had more time to explore around but even so, the couple of hours we were there were all worth it. I went with my daughter and her 2nd grade class for a field trip. We all learned a lot in a short amount of time. The place was packed but still VERY clean. I just wish that the planetarium is much more available for everyone. The place also have shows for it's guests to enjoy.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda R. 1 year ago on Google • 60 reviews
    The gift shop has a little bit of everything including snacks! The displays are so thought out. The children’s room is so fun and interactive. I went on a Wednesday and I was the only one in the entire museum but as I was leaving, it looked like someone was coming in. Cash is preferred. This museum is a hidden gem in the neighborhood of Andersonville so please go visit. Once done, go explore the neighborhood.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Monika K. 10 months ago on Google • 37 reviews
    Cute little museum. It's worth a visit if in the area. Very informative and quite a few things were interactive.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kevin J. 6 months ago on Google • 28 reviews
    Incredibly friendly staff! Wonderful exhibits and experience learning something about Andersonville!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ben K. 8 months ago on Google
    Very simple museum, but interesting notes and artifacts about Chicago's Swedish history. Highlight of the space is definitely the third floor with the Children's museum.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Matthew U. 2 years ago on Google
    Came here first for a kids birthday party, but have been a few times since. Good activities for the kids and the play area is good to run around.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Joanna N. 10 months ago on Google
    I love the museum and all the wonderful people working and volunteering there. Great children's play area, amazing pop up cafe baked goods and food, and just the nicest staff. Highly recommend!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 안지성 1 year ago on Google
    It was okay, if not a bit overpriced. The lady at the entrance was warm and welcoming. I can't say the same for the one in the gift shop, though. I lived in Stockholm and know Swedish, but with my face became quite accustomed to "quiet" racism there. I sensed it with this person, too, no matter how pleasant I was with her. Anyway, I won't ever be back, so...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Stephanie V. 2 years ago on Google
    Got turned away for not having a vaccine card. “Only this weekend” it was happening. But yet the tour guide was maskless. Makes a lot of sense. Wanted to come here For months due to my SO being a Swede.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rafael L. 4 years ago on Google
    Even as a Brazilian, with Swedish blood, was a great experience, to understand a bit of the migration to the americas
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Richard L. 1 month ago on Google • 109 reviews New
    Great place for Swedish Shopping. Wonderful staff.

  • 5/5 Tara Kelly L. 2 months ago on Google • 22 reviews New
    We always love to visit this museum when we study Swedish immigration at school. They are so friendly and easy to work with to plan field trips. The children's museum area is always a hit!

  • 5/5 Erica K. 1 year ago on Google
    Great history and items to look at an amazing cultural as it migrated to America and found a new home!

  • 5/5 Adam B. 10 months ago on Google
    I grew up going here and live it! My grandparents are from Sweden. Everyone there is super friendly.

  • 2/5 Oscar B. 3 months ago on Google • 18 reviews New
    I had been there before and it was great. This time I brought my friend and the main exhibition was closed due to construction but they still charged us full price without warning us about it. It was a real disappointment, there was a narrow hallway and two small rooms with a little information on the walls.

  • 5/5 Sarah L. 1 year ago on Google
    The art gallery is very intriguing. The lady at the front desk is super friendly. Learned a lot about the Swedish community in Chicago.

  • 5/5 harsh g. 1 year ago on Google
    A great walk through of Swedish immigration to the US. Add to that the lifelike sculptures they had. I paid a $2 voluntary donation and spent the next 90 minutes absolutely amazed. Totally worth it!

  • 4/5 Joseph H. 1 year ago on Google
    Wonderful venue to learn about swedish culture, cool gift shop as well, definitely overpriced but worth experiencing

  • 5/5 Teddie J. 1 year ago on Google
    The museum was very interesting and informative. The people were very friendly and helpful. The museum gives good insight to the lives and accomplishments of our ancestors.

  • 5/5 Deborah M. 2 years ago on Google
    This was our first time at El Diamante Azul and the food was AMAZING!!! SO delicious and the best service we've had in a very long time. This place should be packed!!! We'll be back for seconds before we leave town.

  • 5/5 Maurilio R. 4 years ago on Google
    A small, but very well put together museum honoring both the Swedish culture, and the journey the Swedes took to the New World. Very educational, and had a great time. Excited to see the remodel this upcoming January!

  • 5/5 Jamie B. 5 years ago on Google
    This is a great facility. I was there for a book reading, which took place in the main gallery. The current exhibit includes some terrific large paintings, art that I look forward to revisiting. The museum offers some lively activities, targeted to both kids and adults. While many have a Swedish theme, others have a broader focus. I'm looking forward to becoming more actively engaged in the museum - and to seeing more of what is offered.

  • 5/5 Mary A. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice small children's museum and Swedish life museum!

  • 4/5 Julio E. 5 years ago on Google
    A small but very interesting museum about swedish immigration. It would be nice if they had regular guided tours. However, they offer some activities, including teaching swedish language.

  • 5/5 Sangeetha C. 4 years ago on Google
    Great place for both kids and adults.


Call (773) 728-8111 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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