No matter how many years pass or how many generations stand between us and our ancestors, there’s always that pull to look back. The National Nordic Museum in Seattle captures that feeling perfectly. With its modern, slightly airy design inspired by Nordic fjords and icy glaciers, it feels like a slice of the North transplanted to Ballard.
More than just a building and a classical music venue, it stands as a living tribute to all Nordic past, including the Vikings and brave souls who crossed oceans, bringing their fishing nets, boating skills, and diligence with them. The establishment has become a local curiosity for the Ballardians, drawing in locals eager to understand their own or their peers’ past. And now, it’s also a Candlelight venue, hosting tribute concerts to your favorite artists.
Learn more about the architecture of The National Nordic Museum
It almost feels like a quiet interaction between the old and the new. Designed by Seattle-based Mithun Architects, the building takes inspiration from a Nordic fjord. Its symbolic hallway cuts through the middle, dividing the museum into two wings and evoking the idea of a journey between homelands. Inside, natural light floods the space, complementing the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic, offering a contemplative atmosphere.
What can you do at the National Nordic Museum?
Through history and art, the National Nordic Museum traces and celebrates the heritage of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Inside, with rotating exhibitions, you can explore everything from Viking-era weaponry and maritime tools to Sámi culture, ancient mythology, and sleek contemporary design from the Nordic countries.
Its collection includes over 77,000 artifacts, as museums usually do. They range from traditional folk costumes and handcrafted instruments to paintings, photographs, and everyday objects brought over by Nordic immigrants. The museum also hosts film screenings and festivals, as well as a whole host of presentations, talks, and children’s activities.
Does the National Nordic Museum have a music venue?
The answer is a solid yes. The Museum is a simple yet elegant space that doubles as a music venue, welcoming the presence of what we’ve come to know as the beautiful Candlelight classical concerts—events that go beyond performance, to become indelible experiences for those in the mood to hear their favorite artists’ songs reimagined in the classical form.
National Nordic Museum’s cafe and parking
Whether you’re headed to the National Nordic Museum for the history or a Candlelight concert, the on-site Freya Café serves up Nordic bites and strong coffee in a pretty cool area. As for parking, there’s a paid lot right next to the museum. There are some free street parking spots nearby, too.