Celebrate Danish Modern Design

Minnesota is famously Scandinavian in its heritage (our NFL team is called the Vikings after all). It’s reflected in many of our state’s celebrated traditions, institutions such as Sons of Norway, and attractions such as the American Swedish Institute, with it’s beautiful Turnblad Mansion, along with the Nelson Cultural Center, which opened in 2012.

Another way that such Scandinavian influence is seen is in the much-loved classic furniture designs, which is kept alive today by such retailers as IKEA, located just across the way from Mall of America. But if you want to learn about the distinctive style of craftsmanship, you will want to attend the current exhibit at the University of Minnesota’s Goldstein Museum of Design: Danish Modern: Design for Living.

Danish Modern is a form of furniture that combined elements of early 20th century Modernism with Danish values for nature and handcraft associated with the earlier Arts and Crafts Movement, write the museum curators. The distinctive style remains very popular today with customers who appreciate the design values “utility, beauty, craftsmanship, and attention to the inherent qualities of the materials.”

Organized by the Museum of Danish America, located in Elk Horn, Iowa, this exhibition features objects from private collectors, the Goldstein Museum, the Danish American Center as well as the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Open now, Danish Modern: Design for Living runs through April 27. However, do you want a behind the scenes look at Scandinavian furniture and its designers? Join the owner of Danish Teak Classics, Steven Swanson, for a behind-the-scenes tour of his showroom, warehouse and workshop. Swanson is opening the doors to his furniture restoration shop in conjunction with the exhibit. But act soon. You must RSVP and space is limited.

Danish Teak Classics Tour
When: Thursday, April 24 at 6 p.m.
Where: Danish Teak Classics
Northrup King Building #277
1500 N.E. Jackson St., Minneapolis
RSVP: gmd@umn.edu or call 612-624-7434