The Museum of Danish America plans 2014 Exhibitions in Elk Horn, Iowa, while ‘Danish Modern: Design for Living’ travels to Minnesota and Washington

The Museum of Danish America’s exhibition, “Danish Modern: Design for Living” closes on January 5, 2014 in Elk Horn, Iowa, but the exhibit will travel to other museums across the USA in 2014, including:

Goldstein Museum of Design, St. Paul, MN:  February 1 – April 27, 2014

Nordic Heritage Museum, Seattle, WA: May 16 – August 31, 2014

This exhibition is supported by the Albert V. Ravenholt Fund, the Chrystal Wagner estate, Humanities Iowa, the Direktor Ib Henriksens Fond, Eric and Joan Norgaard Charitable Trust, and by gifts in memory of Duane M. Skow.

2014 will also bring the opening of the Museum of Danish America’s new Curatorial Center in Elk Horn, Iowa. (Photo courtesy of the Museum of Danish America)

The Museum of Danish America has several exciting new exhibitions planned for 2014 and early 2015 in Elk Horn, Iowa, including:

Søren Kierkegaard: The Global Dane: February 1 – April 13, 2014

As a theologian, philosopher and author, Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) is one of the most influential figures of the 19th century, and his influence continues to be felt around the globe.  This exhibition, prepared for the bicentennial of Kierkegaard’s birth, explores his life and work.  English-language text is by Kierkegaard scholar Joakim Garff.

Schleswig-Holstein: Turmoil on the Danish-German Border: February 22 – September 1, 2014

The region of Schleswig-Holstein sits on the border between Denmark and Germany, and for centuries has had a mixed population of German-speaking and Danish-speaking communities.  In 1864, 150 years ago, Denmark’s military defeat by Germany transferred Schleswig-Holstein into German control.  In 1920, some of that territory was returned to Denmark in a popular vote.  Many immigrants from the Schleswig-Holstein region, both Danish and German, settled in Iowa – in fact, there are two towns in Iowa called Schleswig and Holstein.  Learn more about the history of this region and its impact on immigrant communities in the Midwest.

This exhibition and related programming is developing in collaboration with the German-American Heritage Center in Davenport, Iowa.

A Danish “Picasso” at Rookwood Pottery: April 26 – October 19, 2014

Jens Jensen (1898-1978) was born on the island of Fyn and immigrated to the United States in 1927.  He found work as a decorator at Rookwood Pottery, the premier producer of art ceramics in the United States.  This exhibition will explore the work Jensen did for Rookwood, examples of his contemporaries at the studio, and also show examples of his work in other media. Exhibition developed by guest curator Annemarie Sawkins.

Skål: Scandinavian Spirits: Spring 2015

Denmark, Norway and Sweden share a culture of beer and aquavit, both in the past and in the present day. These beverages play a role in community celebrations, in hospitality customs, in the art and design of table wares, and in the economy.  What is similar among the Scandinavian cultures of beer and aquavit?  Are there differences?

This exhibition is developed in partnership with other Scandinavian-American museums, and will travel across the United States. Watch for further details on the exhibit itinerary.