American Swedish Historical Museum Centennial Gala

The American Swedish Historical Museum is celebrating its centennial with a gala on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 6 PM. It's the centerpiece of a full year of programming marking 100 years since the museum was founded in 1926 by the Swedish-American scholar Dr. Amandus Johnson and a group of Swedish Americans. The party takes place in the museum's own rooms, with black tie requested, passed hors d'oeuvres, and a three-course dinner inspired by historic recipes from the last century. Live music comes from Oskar Stenmark, and DJ Robert Drake will keep the dancing going. Among the guests will be Swedish Ambassador Nicola Clase and Finnish Ambassador Leena-Kaisa Mikkola.

It's a big anniversary for a place with a deep local connection. The museum is the oldest Swedish museum in the United States, and Philadelphia was chosen partly because of the region's ties to the New Sweden Colony. Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden laid the cornerstone during the city's 1926 Sesquicentennial celebrations, and the museum opened to the public in 1928. Today it houses twelve galleries covering Swedish immigration, the New Sweden Colony, women's history, scientific innovation, and Swedish craft arts.

The gala also launches the Centennial Legacy Collection, with the first gifts coming from influential Nordic Americans. The proceeds go toward improvement projects for accessibility, preservation, safety, and the visitor experience. Tickets run from $250 to $25,000, with the higher levels limited. The museum is at 1900 Pattison Avenue in South Philadelphia, right in FDR Park.