Ballard’s National Nordic Museum nominated for Best New Museum in the country. (Seattle: homes)

[homesinseattle]

“Ballard’s National Nordic Museum is getting more national recognition: it’s been nominated as one of the best new museums in the country by USA Today.

The contest is the USA Today’s Readers’ Choice for Best New Museum. “These museums, ranging from avant-garde art galleries to colorful children’s museums, represent the best openings of the past two years,” the contest details read. Currently, the National Nordic Museum is in third place.

Here’s what they say about the National Nordic Museum:

Originally founded in 1980, the National Nordic Museum in Seattle recently debuted its brand new facility in the Ballard neighborhood. This new exhibit space tells the 12,000-year story of Nordic history and culture across the nations of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The building itself was designed with Nordic details and materials and features a central Fjord Hall that narrows as visitors go deeper into the museum.

Link here: https://www.myballard.com/2020/01/21...rykUskJu59VdUk

[Ruth4Truth]

Well, I wouldn't call it a "new museum", considering that it's been around for 40 years. Does getting a new building qualify a museum for status as "new"? That's very misleading, if you ask me.

[Sockeye66]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

Well, I wouldn't call it a "new museum", considering that it's been around for 40 years. Does getting a new building qualify a museum for status as "new"? That's very misleading, if you ask me.

I can see the argument that this could be considered new. So much of a museum is more than whats inside, how it's presented and history shared is a bigger part of it.

[homesinseattle]

Originally Posted by Ruth4Truth

Well, I wouldn't call it a "new museum", considering that it's been around for 40 years. Does getting a new building qualify a museum for status as "new"? That's very misleading, if you ask me.

Ruth, you should see it, it's really cool. Besides the striking architecture, I'd call it "new" as much of the content and presentation has changed, refreshed.

[NW4me]

Originally Posted by homesinseattle

Ruth, you should see it, it's really cool. Besides the striking architecture, I'd call it "new" as much of the content and presentation has changed, refreshed.

I didn't see the old museum... what was it like?

[homesinseattle]

Originally Posted by NW4me

I didn't see the old museum... what was it like?

It was a cool old building up around 67th St out toward West Ballard, in a residential neighborhood. The building had character and was cozy but wasn't nearly big enough. Also, it was tucked away and is way more visible/accessible now.

[eugene_b]

Oh interesting, I’ve been passing it all the time on the way to farmers market and for some reason thought it was something very small and boring; didn’t know it was a fairly major museum! I’ve checked their website and it looks like they have a free day every month, I’ll make sure to check it out!

[Ruth4Truth]

It does sound interesting. I'll have to put it on my bucket list for the next trip to Seattle. Thanks, OP!

[elkotronics]

Thanks, homes, my Grandpa on my Mom's side was a fisherman who lived in Ballard. Apparently he was instrumental in working with Senator Henry Jackson in getting legislation for fishermen regarding a certain type of boat they fished in in Alaska. Norwegians we are - this museum is right up our alley! As I'm older now I'd like to know more about it - I'll have to contact a PNW family member who knows about it. He may be in that museum on a pic with Sen.Jackson.

Thanks for the tip, homes!