Launched in 1928, the same year construction of the American Swedish Historical Museum was completed, the Swedish ocean liner Kungsholm was one of the earliest vessels decorated in the Art Deco style. The Kungsholm’s fashionable passenger spaces made her a popular ship, even during the Great Depression. As the flagship of the Swedish American Line, she carried Sweden’s Crown Prince and his entourage up the Delaware River to Wilmington and Philadelphia for ceremonies marking the 300th anniversary of Swedish settlement of North America, including the dedication of this museum.
This installation explores the history of the Kungsholm and her glorious interiors, which inspired many of the museum’s own signature galleries. Featured are the museum’s large ship model, ephemera from the collection, archival photographs, and excerpts from passenger travel diaries.
This exhibit will be featured on the museum’s lower level and opened in February 2019.