Scandinavia House-The Nordic Center in America
One of the prominent cultural centers in the United States for Nordic heritage, the Scandinavia House is situated on in Manhattan facing Park Avenue. The house was designed by the prestigious Polshek Partnership Architects and was inaugurated in 2000 by the American Scandinavian Foundation (ASF). The Scandinavia House serves as the headquarters and a cultural and educational programming epicenter for the ASF. It is one of the significant landmarks that proffers the visitors with a range of eclectic programs designed to enlighten the Nordic culture and heritage of Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Norway.
Fashioned according to the distinctive International Style of the late 1990s era, the Scandinavia house exhibits six floors above the ground and two floors below the ground. The grand historic building is designed to be in sync with the minimalist Scandinavian elegance and features a blend of grey and light blue zinc glass façade.
The significant function of each of the classic floors of Scandinavia House:
The lower level accommodates the avant-garde Victor Borge Hall which can house 168 guests easily. This hall is employed to showcase diverse exhibitions, concerts, symposiums, lectures, presentations, film screenings, and other exclusive performances.
The main floor overlooks Park Avenue and houses the reception area, the renowned Taplin Café, and the famous Smorsgas Chef restaurant which has gained distinction due to its translucent structural design. The main floor also accommodates a small gift shop that sells souvenirs, sweets, and other gift items. You can also visit the small shop which sells amazing jewelry, clothing, and books.
The second floor is home to the dazzling Volvo Hall which showcases glass walls on the west and east end and can accommodate 250 guests for reception events and 120 guests for dining occasions. The hall is highlighted by a resplendent garden terrace that is employed to host outdoor meetings and events. The hall is often employed as an exhibition area for official and social gatherings and to execute fashion shows and presentations.
The third floor showcases galleries which host and display the finest of Scandinavian paintings, sculptural art, and photography. And all of these exhibitions are reinforced by correlated programming like workshops, symposia, films, and panel conferences.
The fourth floor is designed into a Scandinavian-styled library with colossal windows offering a magnificent vista of Park Avenue and other main landscapes dotting the area of Scandinavia House. Visitors can enjoy free access to the computers and internet connection. There is a small reading area also where one can spend quiet quality time with books. Heimbold Family Children’s Playing and Learning Center lodged on the fourth floor is open to the public only on Saturdays.
The fifth and sixth floors are styled into the offices and conference rooms for the ASF.
The Scandinavia House is one of the most eminent and renowned landmarks in New York. Whether you want to peruse through the art exhibitions, view innovative and cutting-edge theater work, revel in live concerts, or simply pay tribute to the Scandinavian culture and heritage, Scandinavia House is a must-stop destination for you.
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