We are located at 206 Waltham St in Newton, in a large building with a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces to learn and play in. We are air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. There are plenty of bathrooms and water fountains and the building is cleaned daily. Below, see a gallery with descriptions of the different rooms and areas.
The Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library has a unique asset in that we are connected to the Scandinavian Living Center, an assisted living home. The SLC is unlike other assisted living facilities, however. It is built off the model for senior care in Scandinavian countries, and its main tenet is that age should not bar one from participating in their community. There are 40 apartments and a full team of staff, including a licensed nurse. The presence of the living center at our site can give parents and guardians increased peace of mind, because our location is well-staffed with healthcare workers, is very safe and accessible, and has a fast emergency response system. The summer workshop will mainly be using different facilities than the living center, but kids might occasionally encounter residents in the entryway or on the terrace, for example. The residents will also be invited to watch the performance of the play, which they will be very excited about!
The Nordic Hall
Opened in 2001, the Nordic Hall was designed by CBT Architects and inspired by the aesthetic of Swedish painter Carl Larsson. It is large, with a seated capacity of about 100 people, and is lined with windows that, combined with the high wooden ceiling, create a calm and airy ambience. We will put on our performance in the hall, but it is also great for rehearsals and activities. We can make many different arrangements with the tables and chairs depending on our needs a given activity.
Library
Our library is a cozy space filled with books in Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish, Icelandic, and English. It features large windows and a wooden dining table that seats 12.
Children’s Library
Located downstairs, the children’s library is a playful and comfortable room filled with Nordic children’s books, Pippi Longstocking dolls, a mini troll village, and the like.
Courtyard
The courtyard is a fully enclosed outdoor space with a grass yard, benches, a paved walking path, raised garden beds, a shed styled like a traditional Scandinavian cottage, and our Dala horse statue. The courtyard provides lots of shade during the day in the summer, making it a perfect place for snack breaks, lunches, and outdoor activities.
Front lawn
The SCC&L features a sprawling front lawn, ideal for large group activities when we want to use a lot of space.
Meditation room
Recently renovated, the meditation room has beautiful stained-glass windows and is a calm space for a workshop or activity.
Terrace
We have a large terrace that overlooks the front lawn. It has tables and chairs and provides some great open space, whether it’s for rehearsals or lunch.
