“The Morning Dip” Exhibit Celebrates the Ritual of the Morning Swim

MINNEAPOLIS — APRIL 5, 2022 — Is there a better way to wake up than with a swim in the sea? In Torekov, Sweden, locals would have a hard time arguing. Each morning, almost the entire town descends to the local pier, Morganbryggan, for a ritual Morning Dip into the North Sea. Peggy Anderson, a photographer based in New York and Sweden, brings her photographic examination of Swedish communal practice to ASI, with a new exhibit, The Morning Dip, opening July 21 and running through Oct. 30.

Anderson will be in attendance for the exhibit’s First Look party, Wed., July 20, 5-8 p.m. Tickets are $25 or $20 for ASI members.

For Anderson, the Swedish morning ritual of a bathe in the sea is more than just a cultural quirk; the exhibit reflects the country, and community that she was raised in and returns to each summer. The Morning Dip is a loving examination of heritage, connection, and unique tradition, wrapped in a colorful, tattered bathrobe.

To Torekov residents, the morning swim is “better than espresso,” says Anderson, who enjoys photographing people for the challenge, and for the opportunity to connect. In photographing Swedes for this series with a long format camera, Anderson feels her focus has changed from an end goal to the process. “By picturing them, I am gaining insight into a community that, slowly but surely, I have entered, and into my complex identity as a Swede.”

“We can’t wait for guests to dip their toes into Swedish culture at The Morning Dip,” says Ingrid Nyholm-Lange, director of experience, ASI. “The American Swedish Institute is proud to welcome Peggy Anderson’s wonderful study of Swedish culture and the joy of living in and around water. As we live in the land of 10,000 lakes, I think many will appreciate the study of a dip in the water.” Enthusiastic patrons can also join ASI in their own morning dip, Thursday mornings in July at Lake Harriet.

The Morning Dip is produced by the American Swedish Institute. The exhibition is presented with support from ASI’s members and donors. The Morning Dip was first exhibited at Fotografiska, Stockholm in 2015. A printed collection of the photos is available for purchase in the ASI Museum Shop.

ASI is located at 2600 Park Avenue in Minneapolis. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. In addition to the museum, visitors can enjoy FIKA Café, and the curated Museum Shop.

General admission, which offers access to all exhibitions on view, as well as the historic Turnblad Mansion. For the most up to date admission prices, please visit the hour & admissions page. Walk-up museum admission is available. Visitors are also welcome to register for museum admission in advance. Special events have individual pricing, see the ASI Events online for details.

Masking is optional for all visitors in the museum, dining at FIKA Café, at private events, and shopping in the Museum Store. For all in-person programs, classes, and workshops, participants age 3 and up are required to wear a mask for the duration of their program. Proof of vaccine is not required for in-person programs and classes.

American Swedish Institute (ASI), designated to the National Register for Historic Places, is a historic castle-like mansion, museum and cultural center, and a gathering place for all people to explore diverse experiences of migration, identity, belonging, and the environment through arts and culture, informed by enduring links to Sweden. ASI, which The Wall Street Journal calls “[a] model of how a small institution can draw visitors through exciting programming,” is located at 2600 Park Avenue in Minneapolis. For more, visit asimn.org.

Media Contact: Eric Wilson, Engagement Strategy Manager