The American Swedish Historical Museum is marking a major milestone this fall with a black-tie Centennial Gala celebrating 100 years of Swedish-American history, culture and community in Philadelphia.
The gala will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at the museum in FDR Park in South Philadelphia. Founded in 1926, the American Swedish Historical Museum is the oldest Swedish museum in the United States and has spent the past century preserving and sharing the stories of Swedes and Scandinavians in America.
A Once-in-a-Century Celebration
According to the museum, the evening will bring together guests, patrons and partners for a celebration that looks back at its first century while also looking ahead to the future.
Dinner will be part of the story. The evening begins with passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a three-course dinner inspired by historic recipes from across the last 100 years. Guests can also expect live music, dancing and exclusive auction experiences throughout the night.
Black-tie attire is requested.
A Museum With Deep Philadelphia Roots
The museum was founded in 1926 by Swedish-American scholar Dr. Amandus Johnson and a group of Swedish Americans who wanted to create a permanent monument to Swedish contributions to the United States. Philadelphia was chosen in part because of the region’s connection to the New Sweden Colony.
Prince Gustaf Adolf of Sweden laid the cornerstone during Philadelphia’s Sesquicentennial celebrations in 1926. The museum opened to the public in 1928 and today houses twelve galleries exploring subjects ranging from Swedish immigration and the New Sweden Colony to women’s history, scientific innovation and Swedish craft arts.
The Centennial Gala is part of a year of programming commemorating the museum’s 100th anniversary.
Centennial Gala Details
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: American Swedish Historical Museum, 1900 Pattison Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19145
Dress: Black tie requested
Tickets: Ticket and sponsorship levels currently range from $250 to $25,000.
Tickets are limited. Reserve tickets through the American Swedish Historical Museum here.
For out-of-town guests, The Study at University City is the museum’s partner hotel for the gala, with a discounted rate available through the museum’s official Centennial Gala page.
Planning more time in the area? Keep an eye on our Philadelphia coverage for more Swedish and Scandinavian events in the city.
Here’s to a century of preserving Swedish-American history — and to the next 100 years.
