The Swedish American Museum in Chicago was founded by Kurt Mathisson in 1976. It moved to its current location on 5211 North Clark Street in 1987. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden was present at the museum's founding and at its move to its new home.[1] The museum is housed in a 24,000-square-foot (2,200 m2), three-story building and has a collection of approximately 12,000 objects. It is a core member of the Chicago Cultural Alliance, a consortium of 25 ethnic museums and cultural centers in Chicago.
The Museum observes many holidays, often partnering with the historically Swedish neighborhood to celebrate. Andersonville annually celebrates Midsommarfest (a take on the traditional Swedish Midsommar celebration), Santa Lucia, and Julmarknad (a Christmas market with traditional Swedish handcrafts).[citation needed]
The iconic water tower above the museum was removed on March 20, 2014, after being damaged during the harsh winter.[2] It was later returned in August 2017. [3]
