National Nordic Museum

Overview

The National Nordic Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to sharing the history and culture of the Nordic region, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Åland, and the cultural region of Sápmi. It also explores the legacy of Nordic immigrants in the United States.

Mission and Values

The museum's mission is to inspire people to create a more vibrant, just, and sustainable world by sharing Nordic culture and values. Its core values include:

• Openness: Fostering trust, tolerance, and the right to express opinions.
• Sustainability: Emphasizing a connection to nature and employing environmentally responsible practices.
• Social Justice: Promoting compassion, respect, and equality for all.
• Innovation: Encouraging creativity and new ways of thinking.

History

Founded in 1979 as the Nordic Heritage Museum, its primary goal was to honor the legacy of thousands of Nordic immigrants who settled in the Northwest. The museum opened to the public in 1980 in the historic Webster School in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. In 2018, it reopened in a new 57,875 square feet facility, also in Ballard, and was officially designated as the National Nordic Museum by an act of Congress.

Exhibitions and Programs

The museum offers a comprehensive core exhibition that spans 12,000 years of Nordic history. It tells the story of Nordic and Nordic American communities through a collection of artifacts and narratives. The exhibitions are designed to reflect a journey across time and space, exploring historical and contemporary themes and how they intersect with American society.

Community Engagement

The National Nordic Museum serves as a community gathering place, fostering dialogue and promoting cultural exchange between the Nordic countries and the United States. It acknowledges the impact of colonialism on indigenous peoples and honors the continuity of their communities.

Architecture and Design

The museum's building, inspired by Nordic design, features a large central Fjord Hall and is situated to integrate with the surrounding waterfront. Its design reflects the concept of Friluftsliv, emphasizing the importance of nature. The site includes gardens and public spaces that blend Nordic and Pacific Northwest landscapes, and it has achieved USGBC LEED Gold certification for its sustainability features.