Scandinavia House - New York, New York

Holanda Y.

Un excelente lugar sé los recomiendo mi gente les Vaaa ah encantar tanto cómo ah Mi. BENDICIÓN 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

Angela C.

Rico

Jessica L. R.

We love this place. The children’s center is FANTASTIC and if you’re a member, they even do crafts for the kids twice per week. There is a Scandinavian restaurant and shop with items from Scandinavia that my Swedish husband was excited to find. There’s also lots of art programming like film festivals and showings, and they even have language classes. I was taking a Swedish language course here until the teacher went her separate way. And finally they have special events like for Lucia Day in December, where there is a candlelight choir procession. Didn’t expect everything they had to offer until we became members, but especially want to emphasize how much we love the children’s center.

K H.

It's so cool to be able to access Scandinavian culture in NYC! With my culture pass, I was able to attend a film event about climate change. The auditorium in the basement level was spacious and comfortable. After viewing some thought-provoking short films, the filmmakers talked about their projects on a panel. Afterwards, the audience was welcomed to a reception on the second level for a reception that included some hors d'oeuvres.
I adore the aesthetics of the store when you first walk in as well as the café. I would like to return someday to try the food there! Hoping to check out the gallery on the other floors too.

Milo

As a disgruntled New Yorker eager to leave this wretched city, its places like these that bring back that nostalgic love for a city I once truly adored like nothing else on earth. Which other city (outside of Scandinavia) would have entire center devoted to Scandinavian cuisine, art, history, film and culture
They feature films, book-readings, events all connected to Scandinavia. The space is beautiful and the service was excellent and welcoming. The little shop is so cute and reminded me of the beautiful time I spent in Norway 5 years ago. This is what New York is about! Incorporating so many different cultures and people into one city so that we all belong here as one. We are the city of the world 🌎 💜

Stephanie W.

I’m honestly baffled by the glowing reviews for this place. The food was mediocre at best—I’ve had better pre-packed, frozen meatballs. The lox and other dishes were flat and uninspired. Drinks? Also disappointing. To make matters worse, there were fruit flies everywhere—it was absolutely disgusting. My partner and I tried to make light of it by turning the fly situation into a game, but it didn’t save the experience.

Our waitress, though sporting a cute hairstyle (which I complimented. Cute little buns and bangs), was condescending. She repeatedly asked me if it was my *first time* trying Scandinavian food, yet didn’t direct the same line of questioning to my date. Perhaps because he’s Asian and I’m Black, she assumed he was more well-traveled than I am—which couldn’t be further from the truth. Also, let’s be honest: Scandinavian food isn’t some unattainable, high-class fare. They sell the same gravlax with cheap couches in Red Hook, Brooklyn (and honestly, the food at Ikea is better than what I had here).

As someone who has lived in Manhattan for 22 years and has been fortunate to travel extensively, I was not impressed by this place at all.

Christina A. P. I. N.

What? Scandinavia House. A learning and play center on the fourth floor of the cultural center based in Murray Hill, Manhattan. Throughout the week, bookings are only available to members of Scandinavia House. However, on Saturdays it’s open to the public. There’s tons of toys and activities here to keep the little ones occupied. There’s always staff on hand too which makes the whole experience much more safer, and enjoyable.

Where? 58 Park Avenue, which is on Park between 37th and 38th Street. A few blocks south of Grand Central, which makes it very accessible via the subway. Tons of bus stops nearby too. This shouldn’t be too hard to get to no matter where you’re coming from!

When? During the week, play sessions are only available to members. On Saturdays, the sessions are open to the public. There’s two sessions, being 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm. A total of 12 children are allowed for each session, and your space must be booked in advance online. It does tend to get booked up quickly so don’t leave it super last minute!

Cost? $25 for the session on Saturdays. I think this is amazing value considering it’s two hours, and the fact it’s a lovely space, and that it’s staffed.

Our Rating - 9/10. We’ve been twice now and thoroughly enjoyed it. We’ll definitely keep visiting. It truly is a welcoming spot, and one that your little one will be occupied in with the various toys that they have. I just wish it was open to the public during the week as that option would be great to have.

Anything else? The main restriction here is that your child must be walking independently. I remember finding out about this place when Darcy wasn’t yet walking, and wished I could’ve visited then, but honestly it puts my mind at rest now knowing she’s not going to accidentally be falling over crawlers. There’s restrooms with changing tables. Also, this whole center has so much to offer. They have a restaurant downstairs that looks great, although not sure how kid-friendly it is. There’s also a gift shop with Scandinavian gifts and food. I also know they regular host events here. Definitely check out their website to be in the know!

(Review originally posted on the @playinnyc Instagram account in May 2023)

Z K.

The best place in the city to get holiday gifts and ornaments. They have dala horses and hand painted ornaments as well as nordic wool scarves, hats, & blankets. They also do a great julbord / smörgåsbord for the holidays with the classics, salmon, meatballs…etc.