The Return of an Iconic Treasure: Paulson Hall Mural

Visitors to ASI are able to enjoy one of the most notable artworks from the ASI collection again, which was unavailable for viewing for months. Now, guests can see the fully restored mural by artist Bengt Engman adorning Paulson Hall in the Turnblad Mansion’s Lower Level.  

Originally installed in the space in 1983, the mural is a pictorial narrative depicting Swedish emigration to the United States. Bengt Engman, the artist behind the Paulson Hall mural, inherited his artistic talent from generations of Swedish painters. Under his father’s guidance, he learned the Dalmålning style of painting, a tradition passed down through the family line. The artwork spans four segments, each stretching an impressive 33 feet. In a further tribute to his heritage, Bengt sourced raw pigments from Sweden and meticulously ground them on-site at ASI in 1983 to be used in the mural.  

While the mural has been conserved several times since its initial installation, the recent conservation performed by Midwest Art Conservation Center is the most significant in its history. The restoration process encompassed several critical steps, including a comprehensive cleaning and addressing paint loss. By carefully tending to these aspects, the mural received a well-deserved refreshment, recapturing its original brilliance. The work was intentionally timed to coincide with the recent renovations to Paulson Hall and the Paulson Hall Kitchen. 

November 20, 2024 marked the 40th anniversary of the opening of this gathering space. Pictured below is a photo from the original ASI’s Posten announcement of the mural installation.