Scandinavia House features regular programs for children and families in the Heimbold Family Children's Learning Center, a colorful, welcoming environment where children ages 3 to 10 and their caregivers can learn about the history and culture of Scandinavia through books, toys, workshops, and parties.The Heimbold Family Children's Learning Center is open to the public free of charge on Saturday, 12noon-5pm It is open to American-Scandinavian Foundation members only on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 12noon-5 pm. Kids of all ages can also enjoy Saturday Morning Storytelling when the Hans Christian Andersen Storytellers visit Scandinavia House to delight children and adults alike with stories of far-off lands. Please contact Scandinavia House for details.
Fall program
"Trolls & Billy Goats: Norwegian Fairy Tales and Legends"
-An Interactive Installation
Scandinavia House's annual celebrations of children's literature have featured Swedish author Astrid Lindgren's feisty Pippi Longstocking and the stories of Dane H.C. Andersen. This year the focus is on the rich folk traditions of Norway and the stories of Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe. From the fjord to the forest, from the cutest little trolls to the scariest monsters, the world of the Nordic fairy tales comes to life in an interactive installation where children and caregivers can read and listen to stories, play with toys, watch videos, and work on craft projects. Come visit the Three Billy-Goats Gruff, see the Soria Moria Castle, or travel East of the Sun and West of the Moon. Meet new friends like the Ash Lad (Askeladden), the clever boy who always manages to outwit the evil Trolls. Free admission.
When: October 2005 - February 25 2006. Open Tuesday through Saturday, 12noon to 5 pm
Where: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue, NYC
Info: 212-879-9779 or info@amscan.org
"Why Kings and Queens Don't Wear Crowns"
A Reading & Book Signing with Princess Märtha Louise of Norway
Princess Märtha Louise of Norway reads her newly published children's book, "Why Kings and Queens Don't Wear Crowns" (Hvorfor de kongelige ikke har krone på hodet) (Skandisk, Inc., 2005). The book tells the touching story of little Prince Olav, who came to Norway from Denmark in 1905 with his parents King Haakon and Queen Maud, and why the Norwegian royalty don't wear crowns. Free admission.
When: Saturday, October 8, 11:30 am
Where: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue, NYC
Info: 212-879-9779 or info@amscan.org
"Norse Myths"
Performer Rolf Stang tells exciting stories from the D'Aulaires' Book of Norse Myths, a treasured part of many children's libraries, which returns to print after more than 20 years in a new edition published by The New York Review of Books. Kids and adults alike will be captivated by Odin the All-father, Thor the Thunder-god, the mischievous Loki, Bragi the god of poetry, and the famous Valkyrie maidens among other gods, goddesses, heroes, and giants. ($6, $4 ASF members)
When: Saturday, November 19, 1 pm
Where: Scandinavia House, 58 Park Avenue, NYC
Info: 212-879-9779 or info@amscan.org