Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum

10/23/2026

Vesterheim’s Annual Benefit Auction ended with great success on Sunday, October 18! Thank you to everyone who supported Vesterheim’s Benefit Auction!

We are especially grateful to all who donated items to the auction, including the amazing artists who shared their work and Viking for contributing a European River 8-day cruise. A heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who generously bid and shared this opportunity with family, friends, and community to benefit the Vesterheim Annual Fund in support of Vesterheim Folk Art School!

The auction raised $33,800! Tusen takk!

10/21/2026

Get your pieces ready to submit to this juried show at Vesterheim!
“Roots & Routes”
Entry dates: March 1-12, 2027

Here is a chance to tell about your family history and cultural identity through folk art.

We all come from somewhere, whether your heritage flows from a single tradition or draws from many. Bring your roots to life in a traditional or contemporary artwork that either follows folk art and handcraft traditions or visibly draws on those traditions for inspiration. Tell us how this artwork represents you! Vesterheim wants to share many traditions! More information here: https://vesterheim.info/roots10-21-26

Show dates at Vesterheim: May 8-Oct. 24, 2027

Support for this exhibit is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

10/21/2026

Vesterheim is one of five finalists for the 2026 Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area People’s Choice “Site of the Year” Award! Cast your vote before Oct. 23!

People’s Choice Site of the Year Finalist Spotlight: Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum!

Discover the rich traditions, stories, and cultural heritage of Norway at Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum in Decorah, Iowa!

This remarkable destination celebrates the Norwegian-American experience through fascinating exhibits, historic artifacts, traditional folk art, and hands-on learning opportunities. From exploring the stories of Norwegian immigrants to experiencing the craftsmanship and traditions passed down through generations, Vesterheim brings history and culture to life!

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum is one of five finalists for the 2026 Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area People’s Choice “Site of the Year” Award!

Now it's your turn to vote! Help recognize your favorite Heritage Area Site by casting your vote October 19–23.

Vote for your favorite and help crown the 2026 People’s Choice Site of the Year!

10/18/2026

Bidding ends at 9 PM (CT) tonight (Oct. 18) for the Vesterheim Benefit Auction! Each year, Vesterheim’s Benefit Auction offers a chance to bid on a tremendous selection of one-of-a-kind folk-art pieces, vacation getaways, clothing items, and more! Get your bids in here: www.biddingforgood.com/VEST-AUCTION

Included in the auction is an incredible 2027 Viking 8-day European River Cruise for two! And you can also bid on an Amana Colonies Weekend Getaway, including tickets to the Colonies’ most treasured historic sites, a w**e tasting and delicious meal, and a stay at Hotel Millwright.

Vesterheim is very grateful to everyone who donated to this auction!

Proceeds from the auction benefit Vesterheim’s Folk Art School!

10/17/2026

There’s still time to bid in the Vesterheim Benefit Auction before it closes October 18 at 9 PM CT! Included in the auction is an incredible 2027 Viking 8-day European River Cruise for two! And you can also bid on an Amana Colonies Weekend Getaway, including tickets to the Colonies’ most treasured historic sites, a w**e tasting and delicious meal, and a stay at Hotel Millwright!

Each year, Vesterheim’s Benefit Auction offers a chance to bid on a tremendous selection of one-of-a-kind folk-art pieces, vacation getaways, clothing items, and more! Bid now at the link in our bio!

Proceeds from the auction benefit Vesterheim’s Folk Art School.

10/16/2026

There’s still time to bid in the Vesterheim Benefit Auction before it closes October 18 at 9 PM CT! Each year, Vesterheim’s Benefit Auction offers a chance to bid on a tremendous selection of one-of-a-kind folk-art pieces, vacation getaways, clothing items, and more! Including this beautiful handmade fine silver filigree necklace by Liz Bucheit! This year, the auction has 80 items, including rosemaling (Norwegian decorative painting), weavings, Norwegian clothing, woodworking items, and more. It is a wonderful opportunity to bring home a special piece of folk art, with work by talented artists, including Vesterheim Gold Medalists, renowned folk artists like Sigmund Årseth, and more! Bid at the link in our bio!

Vesterheim is very grateful to everyone who donated to this auction!

Proceeds from the auction benefit Vesterheim’s Folk Art School!

10/13/2026

Two unique pieces by fused glass artist Christine Tuve Burris are featured in Vesterheim’s Benefit Auction this year! Drawing inspiration from Norwegian art and traditional crafts, Christine has created two beautiful works that are each paired with the original piece that inspired them.

"Impressions of Norwegian Saga Flowers" is a colorful fused glass dish inspired by a mid-century Norwegian vase by Figgjo Flint, while "Weaving with Glass" takes inspiration from a handmade wool table runner by Audhild Viken. Both sets are available to bid on in Vesterheim’s Benefit Auction!

The auction runs until October 18 (9 PM CT)! Each year, Vesterheim’s Benefit Auction offers a chance to bid on a tremendous selection of one-of-a-kind folk-art pieces, vacation getaways, clothing items, and more!

10/12/2026

Ready to try something new in the kitchen? From cozy cocktails to homemade breads, we've got some delicious things on the schedule at Vesterheim Folk Art School!

* Cozy Cabin Cocktails with Emily Vikre
* Rye Three Ways (Or Maybe Four!) with Patrice Johnson
* Homemade Rye Crispbread (Knäckebröd) with Kristi Bissell
* Norwegian Flatbreads with Janette Dragvold

Registration is still open for all four classes! Visit our website for class details and to sign up!

10/09/2026

A little history, a little imagination, and a whole lot of creativity! Vesterheim’s brand-new Theater Klubb gives students in grades 5–8 a chance to bring stories from the museum’s collection to life through theater games and improvisation. Led by Kristen Underwood and Andrew Ellingsen, this class is all about having fun, building confidence, and working together to create something new. No theater experience needed! Theater Klubb starts October 27, and registration is open now!