Dedicated to both the shared and unique cultures of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, Scandinavia House features two floors of galleries and an outdoor sculpture terrace display rotating art and design exhibits that can range from "Scandia: Important Early Maps of the Northern Regions" to "Strictly Swedish: An Exhibition of Contemporary Design." The rest of the space, including the 168-seat Victor Borge Hall, is dedicated to a chock-full calendar of lectures, film screenings, music and drama performances, and scholarly presentations, all of a Nordic ilk. The exquisite modern building -- sleekly designed to showcase Scandinavian materials and aesthetics -- is worth a look in itself, especially if you're a modern architecture buff. Guided tours are offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2pm, and last a half hour; they're free, but reservations are recommended.
The shop is a riot of fine Scandinavian design, and the excellent AQ Cafe -- an offshoot of the terrific Midtown restaurant Aquavit -- serves up Swedish meatballs and other Scandinavian delicacies.
58 Park Ave.Phone: 212/879-9779.Open: Exhibitions Tues-Sun noon-6pm; cafe Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; store Mon-Sat 10am-6pm.Suggested admission to 3rd- and 4th-floor galleries $3, $2 seniors and students; free admission to other spaces.Subway: 6 to 33rd St.; 4, 5, 6, 7, S to 42nd St./Grand Central.
