The Swedish Castle

I take 35W home from work. 35W is a big-honking highway that is under never-ending-construction.¹

I suspect the city started closing all of the highway lanes at night, because on my home from work the traffic is backed up for miles. Even at 10pm on weeknights! Unholler.

And yet, I always forget about the construction until I’m on 35W and spot the sea of cars ahead. The same thing happens every time: I gasp, gag a little, and then swing my car towards the nearest exit.

And then I wade towards downtown through 6 miles of residential neighborhoods. It’s a great way to get to see the city, but also a good way to get shot.²

Yesterday, during another construction-induced adventure, I saw a castle.³ Yes. I’m serious. Minneapolis has a small castle:

It’s the American Swedish Institute, a Swedish cultural center:
The American Swedish Institute is a historic house, museum, and cultural center located near downtown Minneapolis. Swedish immigrant newspaperman Swan J. Turnblad founded the Institute in 1929.

The Turnblad mansion, which houses the Institute, is on the National Register of Historic Places. The 33-room mansion is a fine example of early 20th century chateauesque architecture. Graced with a majestic two-story grand hall, carved stone and woodwork, sculpted ceilings, and eleven floor-to-ceiling kakelugnar (Swedish porcelain tile stoves), the mansion is now a blend of period rooms and exhibit galleries. (Via the official website.)
This is the coolest thing to ever come out of a traffic jam! I think I’ll swing by next weekend and yes, I will be on the lookout for Ikea furniture…

¹ Every city has one. In Miami it’s the Palmetto.
² I always find the ghetto. Without fail.
³ Judy G., local architect has pointed out that the Swedish Institute doesn’t actually qualify as a castle. Hmmf!