Celebrating 40 years

The Swedish American Museum in Chicago commemorates a milestone anniversary during its annual dinner-dance, the Ruby Gala. 

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  Sweden’s ambassador to the U.S., Björn Lyrvall with museum sponsor Ulla Brunk.

• In 1976 Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustav came to Chicago to celebrate the grand opening of the Swedish American Museum and during the last 40 years the museum has grown into an icon in the Andersonville neighborhood and an integral part of Chicago’s museum landscape.
  To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the museum held a Ruby Gala in Cathedral Hall at the University Club of Chicago with notable guests such as Swedish Ambassador Björn Lyrvall, and Consul Generals Bruce Karstadt and Gerd Sjögren. The evening offered an opportunity for Swedish friends from all over the USA to get together and for supporters of the museum to experience an evening of great food and company. The dance floor filled quickly to familiar songs as ABBA Salute took the floor and the atmosphere was celebratory and inviting.
  Co-chairs Kerstin Lane and Joan Papadopoulos and Executive Director Karin Moen Abercrombie reminded us that thanks to its donors and tireless volunteers, the Swedish American Museum has become recognized as a destination for unique cultural programs and exhibits, and for helping children from all nationalities find pride in their heritage and their family journey to America.

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  Sweden’s Honorary Consul General in Chicago, Gerd Sjögren, right, with friends.

• By Angelica Farzaneh-Far
  Photography: J. B. Siegel