Swedish Pavilion

The Swedish Pavilion is an exhibition hall in Lindsborg with yellow exterior walls, traditional sloping roofs, and design elements typical of Swedish manor houses from the early 1900s. The structure showcases architectural craftsmanship and was designed as a regional landmark for cultural displays and presentations.

Architect Ferdinand Boberg designed this pavilion originally for the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis, where it served as a gallery for international art displays. After the exposition closed, W.W. Thomas donated the structure to Bethany College, where it has developed as an educational and community hub since then.

The building embodies Swedish-American heritage through its traditional architecture and serves as a gathering place for community celebrations such as the Midsummer Festival in summer. Visitors can experience the connection between Swedish roots and the American Midwest in the spaces and festivities held here.

The building is currently closed for interior visits due to a structural assessment that revealed a slight lean in 2023, requiring safety measures. The exterior can be viewed from the surroundings, but visitors should check if interior tours are available before traveling.

This is the only remaining building designed by Ferdinand Boberg for an international exposition in the United States and survived the 1904 World's Fair as a permanent landmark. Its endurance makes it a rare example of exposition architecture from that era in North America.

Location: Lindsborg

Inception: 1904

Architects: Ferdinand Boberg

Architectural style: vernacular architecture

Part of: Smoky Valley Roller Mill

Address: 120 East Mill Street

GPS coordinates: 38.56722,-97.67417

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:47