To learn more about the murals in the Grand Hall, including information on the 140 unique individual cameo images that line the ceiling perimeter, please click this fully interactive link. The accompanying webpage also provides a 360° view of the Grand Hall with information on the artist, Christian von Schneidau. Additionally, the artist section includes scans of hand written 1928 letters between the artist and Museum founder, Amandus Johnson, discussing original mural content.
https://ashmcameos.wixsite.com/website
Architect John Nydén, a Swedish-American from Chicago, designed the building to reflect both Swedish and American architectural elements. The Swedish inspiration comes from Eriksberg, a 17th century manor house in Södermanland, Sweden. The copper cupola on top of the museum is a copy of the one on top of Stockholm’s City Hall. The American influence is represented by the exterior arcades, which are modeled after George Washington’s home Mount Vernon.
Swedish painter Christian von Schneidau painted the ceiling and wall murals. The ceiling mural depicts the arrival of New Sweden settlers to the Delaware Valley aboard the Kalmar Nyckel.
Facing the staircase, the mural to the right, Surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, features Count Axel von Fersen and represents Swedish contributions to America’s efforts for independence from Great Britain.
A mural on the left side, Signing of the Declaration of Independence, shows John Morton, an influential descendant of the original Swedish and Finnish settlers and the building’s namesake, signing the Declaration of Independence on behalf of Pennsylvania.