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 celebrates the opening of its new cultural center in South Minneapolis tomorrow.

A bird's eye view of the American Swedish Institute's new Nelson Cultural Center

Image courtesy the American Swedish Institute

 features classrooms, performance spaces, a studio, a cafe and.gift shop. It will also serve as the ASI's new entrance. ASI President Bruce Karstadt says the new center, next to the grand 1904 building which has long served as the ASI's home, celebrates Minnesota's Nordic traditions while also looking to the future.

"We have this fairytale castle, at 26th and Park, the Turnblad mansion, and now sitting next to it, but separated by a beautiful new courtyard is a new cultural center designed by local architects but which has been inspired by Nordic design and Nordic traditions of architecture."

Karstadt says the opening is a celebration of the new building, and a reaffirmation of the organization's commitment to the community.

"We are really excited and so happy to see this culminate this weekend but yet viewing it as a springboard into a next period of our service."

While building on Nordic tradition, the ASI will offer classes and cultural events to all communities in the area. The Institute attracts more than 65-thousand visitors every year. The King and Queen of Sweden will formally open the new center in October. This weekend's celebration will feature food, arts and crafts demonstrations, and music including ABBA impersonators.

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The Nelson Cultural Center features classrooms, performance spaces, a studio, a cafe and gift shop.

American Swedish Institute celebrates new cultural center

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