The National Nordic Museum is a museum dedicated to the art, culture, and history of the Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. It first opened in 1980 and moved to its current purpose-built facility in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle in 2018.
Some key facts about the National Nordic Museum:
- Exhibits a permanent collection of over 80,000 artifacts, artworks, and historical objects from the Nordic region
- Features both long-term and rotating exhibitions that explore various aspects of Nordic art, design, lifestyle, and cultural heritage
- Includes interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational programs to engage visitors of all ages
- Hosts public events, lectures, performances, and workshops that celebrate Nordic traditions and contemporary Nordic creativity
- Has a museum shop that sells Nordic-inspired crafts, design, books, and other gifts
- Maintains a research library focused on Nordic studies and serves as a hub for Nordic-American cultural exchange
- Attracts around 150,000 visitors annually, making it one of the premier Nordic cultural institutions outside of Scandinavia
The museum’s striking, modern architecture – inspired by Nordic design principles – is an integral part of the visitor experience. With its focus on the rich and diverse cultures of the Nordic countries, the National Nordic Museum aims to foster greater understanding and appreciation of Nordic heritage in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
As the only museum of its kind in the United States, the National Nordic Museum has become an important center for the study, celebration, and preservation of Nordic arts, traditions, and historical legacies.
National Nordic Museum: Prices
The National Nordic Museum website lists the following prices for admission:
General Admission:
- Adults (18+): $20
- Seniors (65+): $18
- Students (with ID): $18
- Youth (5-17): $12
- Children (4 and under): Free
- Military (with ID): Free
Group Rates:
- Groups of 10 or more: $15 per person
- School groups: $10 per person
Additional Fees:
- Special exhibitions may have an additional fee.
- Guided tours are available for an additional fee.
- Some workshops and classes have an additional fee.
- Parking is available for a fee in the Museum’s parking lot.
Free Admission Days:
- The National Nordic Museum offers free admission on the first Thursday of every month from 5-8 pm.
- The Museum also offers free admission to active military personnel and their families as part of the Blue Star Museums program.
