Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum Visit Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School in scenic Decorah, IA
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Vesterheim showcases the most extensive collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world. The museum's exhibitions explore the diversity of American immigration through the lens of the Norwegian-American experience and highlight the best in historic and contemporary Norwegian folk and fine arts. MISSION STATEMENT
Vesterheim celebrates the living heritage of Norwegian imm

igrants to America and shares this cultural legacy for the inspiration and enrichment of people of all backgrounds. OUR FACEBOOK PAGE POLICIES
This page encourages active discussion and sharing of information and thoughts. We are not responsible for comments or wall postings made by visitors to the page. Comments posted also do not in any way reflect the opinions or policies of Vesterheim Museum. Please show respect for your fellow users by keeping the discussion civil. Comments are subject to Facebook’s Terms of Use and Code of Conduct. We reserve the right to remove comments that are racist, sexist, abusive, profane, violent, obscene, spam, that advocate illegal activity, contain falsehoods or are wildly off-topic, or that libel, incite, threaten or make ad hominem attacks on Vesterheim employees, guests or other individuals. We also do not permit messages selling products or promoting commercial, political or other ventures. In addition, election campaign materials or postings otherwise deemed inappropriate will be deleted by the page administrators.

Looking for something to do tomorrow evening?Head downtown for Decorah Lawn Chair Night and catch the Foot-Notes on Wash...
06/11/2026

Looking for something to do tomorrow evening?
Head downtown for Decorah Lawn Chair Night and catch the Foot-Notes on Washington Street next to Impact Coffee June 11 at 6 PM. Vesterheim is excited to sponsor this fun performance that highlights Norwegian-American musical traditions from the surrounding areas of northeastern Iowa, southeastern Minnesota, and western Wisconsin!

Bring a lawn chair, tap your toes, dance if you're inclined, and enjoy a family friendly evening in Decorah!

06/09/2026

Planning a summer road trip? Vesterheim is a stop on the Iowa Scenic Byway Passport, a free mobile passport that helps you find unique destinations, local favorites, and special offers along Iowa’s scenic routes. Sign up and learn more here: https://www.traveliowa.com/iowa-scenic-byway-passport-sign-up/

Sign up, receive the passport instantly by text or email, and it will be ready to use immediately! There is no app to download. Check in at participating locations as you travel to earn points, prizes, and discover places you might otherwise miss. If your travels bring you to Decorah, be sure to add Vesterheim to your itinerary!

06/08/2026

Nøstepinne, or yarn winder, was an essential tool for winding yarn into center-pull balls, and Vesterheim’s collection includes some beautifully carved examples. Chief Curator Laurann Gilbertson gives you a behind the scenes look at a few from the collection!

Inspired by these historic tools? “Carving the Nøstepinne: Norwegian Yarn-Winders” with Josh Torkelson takes place August 14-16 and offers the chance to practice a variety of carving techniques while creating a functional piece of Norwegian folk art. Keep it for yourself or make a one-of-a-kind gift for the fiber artist in your life! Register here: https://vesterheim.info/4xd8cAL or by visiting the link in our Instagram bio!

Art, history, and craftsmanship come together in this jewelry collection inspired by the work of Lars Fletre.While creat...
06/06/2026

Art, history, and craftsmanship come together in this jewelry collection inspired by the work of Lars Fletre.

While creating illustrations for “Fiat Lux Norvegia! Let there be Light, Norway!” in 1946, Fletre filled his linocuts with scenes of everyday life and themes of hope and light in the years following WWII. Those motifs have been reinterpreted in silver by Sylvsmidja, Norway's largest producer of bunad silver.

Simple, elegant, and easy to wear, these pieces are a beautiful connection to the stories and artistry featured in the exhibit “Lars Fletre: Resistance, Resilience, Artistry”, now on view at Vesterheim.

Find the collection in-store or online here: https://vesterheim.info/43mI4FZ

When Ukraine House in Washington, D.C., invited artists from around the world to contribute embroidery for a collaborati...
06/04/2026

When Ukraine House in Washington, D.C., invited artists from around the world to contribute embroidery for a collaborative artwork symbolizing unity and cultural dialogue, Vesterheim instructor Shan Rayray was asked to represent a Norwegian tradition!

Read the story behind her Hardangersøm contribution and Shan Rayray’s participation in the “United by Vyshyvanka” event on the Vesterheim blog: https://vesterheim.info/4fxrURz

Spend a Saturday at Vesterheim! Free Second Saturday is June 13, with free museum admission from 9 AM–5 PM. Enjoy a fami...
06/02/2026

Spend a Saturday at Vesterheim! Free Second Saturday is June 13, with free museum admission from 9 AM–5 PM. Enjoy a family craft decorating a wooden spoon in the Museum Building between 11 AM-2 PM. And for lunch the Gyro Palace food truck will on site from 11:30 AM-1:30 PM! There’s plenty to see, make, and try together!

Free Second Saturday is supported by a grant from McElroy Trust with additional gifts from The Depot Outlet and Black Hills Energy.

Which of these rosemaling styles speaks to you?The fun color of Os style, the bold contrast of Hallingdal, or the asymme...
06/02/2026

Which of these rosemaling styles speaks to you?

The fun color of Os style, the bold contrast of Hallingdal, or the asymmetrical flow of Telemark? This lineup of upcoming in-person rosemaling classes at Vesterheim Folk Art School features these distinct styles taught by expert instructors. Register soon and explore a new style, sharpen your skills, or find a fresh source of inspiration!

Rosemaling in the Os-Style with Nancy Schmidt (June 25-28): Link to register: https://vesterheim.info/4vmaETI

Hallingdal-Style Rosemaling with Lise Lorentzen (July 28-Aug. 1): Link to register: https://vesterheim.info/49vwgVp

Telemark-Style Rosemaling with Nancy Odalen (August 21-23): Link to register: https://vesterheim.info/4ehlxAv

06/01/2026

Behind the scenes in Vesterheim textile storage with Chief Curator Laurann Gilbertson talking Selbu mittens with a tour group!

Looking back at a wonderful April and May of Folk Art School classes and visiting artists! “Make Your Own Metal Sculptur...
05/28/2026

Looking back at a wonderful April and May of Folk Art School classes and visiting artists! “Make Your Own Metal Sculpture” with Kelly Ludeking, “Forging Kitchen Utensils: Steel & Copper” with Elizabeth Belz, “Carving Basics: Introduction to the Sloyd Knife” with Alex Clarke, and a visit from Norwegian rosemaler Mona Stenseth! See photos from the classrooms and programs in our latest blog post: https://vesterheim.info/4u6YKML

Enjoy this article about bunader in the United States with a mention of Vesterheim and a quote from Vesterheim Chief Cur...
05/28/2026

Enjoy this article about bunader in the United States with a mention of Vesterheim and a quote from Vesterheim Chief Curator Laurann Gilbertson!

Bunad i dongeri viser tilhørighet både til Norge og til USA. Se artikkelen i kommentarfeltet 👇

Address

502 W Water Street
Decorah, IA
52101

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

(563) 382-9681

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