Spoiler Alert. My confessional is much tamer than Fleabag’s to Hot Priest in Season 2.
I like Saabs, Marimekko and Lingonberries. There I said it. Whether you do or not, I know you will like Scandinavia House on Park between 37th and 38th. You’ve probably walked by it a million times and never knew it was there. A hidden gem of a cultural epicenter in Murray Hill that celebrates Denmark, Finland, Norway, Iceland and Sweden: plus it’s the HQ of the American-Scandinavian Foundation.
Think of it as your cleanly designed, functional home away from home. Scandinavia House has something for everyone, especially on Saturdays. The kiddies will love the cozy indoor play space, story times and art workshops. Tweens and teens will appreciate the intimate, Insta-worthy art exhibits. Grownups will enjoy a date night menu of films, lectures and concerts. The gift shop is filled with one-of-a-kind housewarming gifts. And the whole fam will dig the in-house eatery Smorgas Chef. Gravlax salad and Swedish meatballs paired with an Icelandic beer sound amazing right about now. Need to let off some steam after all that culture? Head to St Vartan Park over on 2nd Ave for some quality playground time.
Some notes: The Play Center is recommended for kids 1 to 5 years old. Saturday is the only day the Play Center is open to the public and costs $15 per child. Other Saturday kid events open to the public can range from $10-12 per child. Informal kid workshops on Wednesdays are free. The weekday Play Center membership runs $500/year and includes an ASF family membership.
Scandinavia House, 58 Park Ave bet E 37th & E 38th. St Vartan Park, 2nd Ave bet E 35th & E 36th.