Vesterheim Commons Landscaping Begins

https://youtu.be/xtV0XG5heL0https://youtu.be/qB9ANfhflcchttps://youtu.be/lnAZOg6wWpc Vesterheim Commons Landscaping Begins Join Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson and see how the outside landscaping around Vesterheim Commons is starting to come together. With paths, patio, and plantings, there will be plenty of spaces to enjoy! Thank you for joining us and supporting this project! We invite you to be part of Vesterheim’s bold […]
Vesterheim Commons Spring Update

Vesterheim Commons Spring Update Vesterheim President/CEO Join Chris Johnson as he walks through the building to give an update on recent progress. You’ll have a good view of the oculus and the new gallery on the second floor. Thank you for joining us and supporting this project! Don’t forget that right now every gift of […]
Vesterheim Commons Collection Access

Vesterheim Commons Collection Access In this update, Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson talks with Collection Manager Jennifer Kovarik about the museum’s extensive collection and ways that the Commons will help Vesterheim share it. The third floor will include an area we’re calling the collection access space. Its purpose is to help us better share the collection […]
Vesterheim Commons Exterior Influences

Vesterheim Commons Exterior Inspiration In this update, Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson talks about the exterior design influences used in Vesterheim Commons, as well as a general overview of the outdoor space. The concrete walls on the back of the building were suggested by Snøhetta designers and inspired by Erling Viksjø, who came to prominence in Norway […]
Vesterheim Commons Features Wood

Vesterheim Commons Features Wood Greetings from Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson and Vesterheim Chair of Trustees Ruth Schultz! In this update, they talk about all of the beautiful wood that is a prominent element inside Vesterheim Commons. In designing the space, the planners wanted to consider the kind of identity the building would convey. Working with […]
Vesterheim Commons Dedication

Vesterheim Commons DedicationSeptember 30, 2023 Save the date for an opening celebration of this new addition to Vesterheim! Everyone is invited to the Ribbon Cutting and Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. on Water Street. Entertainment, demonstrators, and refreshments will follow from 2:00-4:00 p.m. including the Nordic Dancers and Luren Singers. The museum will be open with […]
Vesterheim Commons Design Team

Vesterheim Commons Design Team Vesterheim Commons is taking shape on Water Street in Decorah. With 7,600 square feet spread across three levels and almost an acre of surrounding landscaped patio, this building project physically links the past and the future, connects the museum collection to the Folk Art School, and enriches the Vesterheim visitor experience […]
Vesterheim Commons – Exhibit Gallery

Vesterheim Commons – Exhibit Gallery Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson is joined in this video by Collection Assistant Lauryn Johnson to take a look at the second floor exhibit gallery. The central feature of this area that you can see starting to take shape is the oculus in the center looking down on the first floor. […]
Vesterheim Commons – Preparing the Public Gathering Space

Vesterheim Commons – Preparing the Public Gathering Space In this update, Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson is joined by Chad Goodsen, Field Superintendent for McGough Construction. Chad is the eyes and ears of the project, making sure there’s safety protocol and that the operation is running smoothly. They talk about some of the features in the […]
Vesterheim Commons – Digital Studio

Vesterheim Commons – Digital Studio In this behind-the-scenes tour of the Commons building progress, Vesterheim President/CEO Chris Johnson and Director of Folk Art Education Andrew Ellingsen talk about the future digital production studio and how it will connect to online programs and offerings. This space wasn’t originally envisioned during the early planning phases but grew […]