Christmas at the Turnblad Mansion
This was our third year being part of the holiday exhibit team at the American Swedish Institute, and it is a fun way to jump-start the holiday season. We love the ASI staff that we get to work with, and each year we meet other collaborators who we also enjoy. This year's theme takes the legendary Swedish figure Tomte in a new direction with a focus on his friends. Illustrations from a local illustrator set the journey, and decorated trees in nearly every room help make the magic come alive in the century-old mansion.
Another thing we love about decorating at ASI is the creative challenge of using and reusing the ornaments, decorations, and items in their collection while tying them to the stories of each holiday exhibit and the design of the mansion in a way that is different from the previous year.
In the Breakfast Room, the two trees in this space take inspiration from the softness of the room’s paint palette, the flocked trees in the mansion entry, and an icy blue to connect to the room and the snowy scene at the entry. The neutral mix of white, silver, and pearls is intended to reflect light around the room, making visitors feel calm, enchanted, and curious.
The palette of the Parlour is made up of gold and dark blue. The dark blue is the defining color of this tree that draws a connection between the room and the Royal Copenhagen Christmas plates on display. Because of the dark blue against the green of the tree, this tree changes in appearance as you move closer. Clear glass ornaments with thin gold linework bring attention and connection to the unique ceiling geometry and emphasize how the rigid lines near the light fixture contrast with the soft scrolling moldings throughout the rest of the space.
Adjacent to the Parlour is the Salon. This year, we used the largest tree from the collection for a significant presence in the beautiful front windows. Again seeking inspiration from the colors and motifs within the room and furniture, this tree sparkles with ornaments of green, champagne and rose. The hanging pearls and candles help emphasize the height of the tree and add texture.
Just before you head up the stairs is the Music Room, where you experience the migration of tradition from Sweden to America. The colors on this tree tie to the ornate woodwork in the room and draw a connection to the hot air balloon.
Our favorite trees this year are in the Nursery and Christina’s Bedroom where we recreated cheerful trees that nod to home and look onto Tomte’s cabin, where you get to experience an enchanted Christmas in the forest. In the Library, full of red to complement the beautiful woodwork, is Santa’s office and the magic of the North Pole.
All the way upstairs, adjacent to the Ballroom, is a tree in the turret that incorporates colors from the adjacent artwork and the star motif from the Ballroom display.
As so many of the holiday events from our past (Macy’s 8th floor and the Holidazzle) have gone away, we feel extra honored to be part of ASI’s 75th Annual Holiday Experience and contribute to bringing some Christmas joy to Minneapolis. It is a gift to create magic alongside so many talented staff, artists, volunteers, and contributors. We’re going to check it out on Friday for their annual Julmarknad event and we’ll likely be returning to cherish and celebrate the holiday season, with Cardamom buns of course, in Minnesota’s only castle.