American Swedish Institutes's FIKA Café

Swedish Café and Bistro

The Nelson Cultural Center for the American Swedish Institute acknowledges the historic character of the adjacent Turnblad Mansion while creating a distinct architectural presence that considers contemporary and traditional Swedish aesthetics. HGA designed the Center as a complementary architectural companion, allowing the Turnblad Mansion to remain the site’s centerpiece in a symbiotic play of traditional and new architectural elements.

The main lobby, with new café (FIKA), is light and airy, with two-story windows visually aligning with the Turnblad Mansion and original entrance. From the lobby, the restaurant provides an entry point for visitors to start their visit, or a spot to relax and unwind after a visit through the glass corridor that connects with the main mansion and carriage house. In addition to indoor seating there is an outdoor seating area for dining between the new building and the historic mansion. The outdoor dining space is often used for events.

 

Portfolio
Location

Minneapolis, MN

Building Type

Restaurant, Café

Size


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