Experts' Choice Award National Nordic Museum
What the experts agree on
Ballard's only U.S. museum dedicated to Nordic culture occupies a striking 1900s schoolhouse with a fjord-inspired atrium. Three floors explore Scandinavian heritage from Viking times through immigrant settlement in the Pacific Northwest.
“This unique organization is the only museum in the United States dedicated to honoring the legacy and culture of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland.”
– Where
Fodor's "This museum in a massive 1900s schoolhouse traces Scandinavian art, artifacts, and heritage all the way from Viking times." Full review
Frommer's "Housed in a former school building, this is primarily a neighborhood museum focusing on the experiences of Scandinavian immigrants in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"This museum preserves the history of the northern Europeans who settled in Ballard and the Pacific Northwest." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"Exhibits now fill three floors." Full review
Afar Magazine "The sleek, sophisticated design has a central atrium evoking a fjord, crossed by bridges and pierced by contemporary stained-glass bird sculptures. " Full review
Condé Nast Traveler "Zoom out. What’s this place all about? Seattle's National Nordic Museum is a deep-dive into the fascinating world of Nordic culture, spanning insight about Danish, Finnish, Norwegian,..." Full review
National Geographic "Keep an eye out for a large wooden troll outside the National Nordic Museum in the neighborhood of Ballard"
Lonely Planet "Once you're done with the booze, you can immerse yourself in Ballard's unique National Nordic Museum and a necklace of waterside parks"
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Lonely Planet "A tribute to the Nordic immigrants who were instrumental in building Seattle, the National Nordic Museum’s main permanent exhibition “Nordic Journeys” focuses on immigration, the..."
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