Scandinavia House: The Nordic Center in America - New York City - Museums

Dedicated to both the shared and unique cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, Scandinavia House features two floors of galleries and an outdoor sculpture terrace displaying rotating art and design exhibits that can range from "Scandia: Important Early Maps of the Northern Regions" to "Strictly Swedish: An Exhibition of Contemporary Design." The rest of the space, including the 168-seat Victor Borge Hall, is dedicated to a full calendar of lectures, films, music and drama performances, and scholarly presentations, all of a Nordic ilk. The exquisite modern building -- designed to showcase Scandinavian materials and aesthetics -- is worth a look in itself, especially if you're a modern-architecture buff. Guided tours are offered Tuesday and Thursday at 2pm and last a half-hour; they're free, but reservations are recommended.

The shop is a riot of fine Scandinavian design, and the excellent AQ Café -- an offshoot of the terrific Midtown restaurant Aquavit -- serves up Swedish meatballs and other Scandinavian delicacies.