The Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum was recently featured in The Architect’s Newspaper and Arch Daily for its unique design and connection to the surrounding landscape and community. This cultural institution in Decorah, Iowa, houses one of the largest collections of Norwegian-American artifacts.

The campus includes several historic buildings built by Norwegian-American immigrants and facilities for the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School. The design will act as an impactful new entrance to the Vesterheim campus of historic buildings and activities. Rather than being setback from adjacent structures, the entry will be distinguished and established as a prominent presence on the street.

This project will include a new 8,000-square-foot building, named The Commons, and a series of green spaces. The Commons will be constructed using wood sourced from Minnesota and complemented by a brick volume sourced from Iowa. The upper floors of The Commons house exhibition spaces equipped with digital facilities, a production studio, and a study room. The project is set to be completed in summer 2023.

In collaboration with Snøhetta.