American Swedish Institute’s 2027 Exhibition Schedule

MINNEAPOLIS, MN— October 6, 2026—The American Swedish Institute Museum and cultural center announces its upcoming 2027 exhibit year, featuring an ASI-created exhibition, Into the Mist: Swedish Creatures and Legends, and a contemporary Swedish photography series.  

Running from February 13 to October 31, 2027, ASI presents Into the Mist, a unique exhibition created by ASI in collaboration with Dr. Tommy Kussela. This one-of-a-kind exhibition explores the origins of Swedish legends and creatures: how they came to be, where they might be found, and why this lore has been carried forward through the ages.   

Into the Mist explores humans’ curiosity about the world around us, attempting to explain the unknown, understand natural phenomena, and cope when the world gets scary. It will feature 13 iconic Swedish folklore characters, some familiar across cultures and generations, others less so, including giants, the great lake monster, trolls, and werewolves. Through mystery and whimsy, large installations, and immersive experiences, guests can view different reflections and scenes from these tales. Into the Mist will also provide a closer look into the Turnblad Mansion, with views into spaces that have been closed to the public for many years. 

“Into the Mist is arriving at a time when there is a desire for escape, wonder, and stories that help us make sense of an uncertain world,” said Erin Stromgren, Creative Director at ASI. “There’s no better time to take a deeper look at the creatures and legends that have shaped Swedish folklore and Sweden itself, both past and present. The exhibition draws from so much of ASI’s collection, bringing these stories to life in new ways. And, of course, the historic Turnblad Mansion is itself something of a fairy tale, making it the perfect meeting point for these worlds.” 

The unique exhibition was developed and curated in partnership with Dr. Tommy Kuusela, PhD in History of Religions, who also assisted with ASI’s 2024 Holiday Experience, Tomte: The Gnome, The Myth, the Legend, which featured Tomte, another Swedish character. Tommy is a well-known folklorist in Sweden and has written extensively on Old Norse religion and Scandinavian folklore and works in one of Sweden’s largest folklore archives in Uppsala. 

“It has been a great pleasure to work with the talented team at ASI again to bring Swedish folk beliefs in the supernatural to life at the museum. Interest in old superstitions, customs, and beliefs in the supernatural has been on the rise for some time now, not least in popular culture. It is an important, but often overlooked, part of our cultural heritage,” said Dr. Tommy Kuusela. 

In January, ASI’s Benson Family Gallery will open a completely reimagined space featuring Trolls inspired by Into the Mist. This immersive space was created in collaboration with ASI’s Svenska Skolan students and local artist and illustrator Kayla Harren. Featuring interactive elements and stunning illustrations of the trolls and their realm, kids and families can truly experience this world through play and imagination. 

Osher Gallery will host three separate photography exhibitions through the year, running in parallel with Into the Mist, featuring an engaging series of contemporary Swedish photographers capturing life in Sweden.   

From January 9 to March 21, Karin Alfredsson’s (b. 1966) work will kick off the series, showing the rugged, grand nature of Northern Sweden more akin to photorealistic landscape paintings.  

From March 27 to July 11, work by up-and-coming photographer and multidisciplinary artist Ikram Abdulkadir (b. 1995) will be on view. Her photography bridges two worlds, bringing together the nostalgia of old family photographs and striking, intimate portraits set against the everyday backdrops of her home in Southern Sweden. 

From July 17 to October 31, intimate work by Stockholm-based photographer and educator Anna Clarén (b. 1972) will conclude the series. Drawing from multiple collections, her images create a space where personal and private experiences become shared. 

More information about each exhibition and related programming will be announced and available on asimn.org.    

2027 Exhibits digital press kit.  

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