Norwegian honorary consulate moves to Norway House

Consulate facilitates development of commercial, economic, cultural, and educational relations between Norway and the Upper Midwest

Photo: Eivind Heiberg
Norway House, the National Norwegian Center located in Minneapolis, is dedicated to establishing, renewing, and advancing connections between contemporary Norway and the United States through education and partnerships centered on the arts, business, and culture.

NORWAY HOUSE
Minneapolis

The Norwegian Honorary Consulate General has moved to Norway House, the National Norwegian Center in America, the organizations announced June 3. The consulate will occupy space in the current Albert H. Quie Center and will have a prominent presence in Norway House’s new Innovation and Cultural Center.

“It is fitting and most appropriate that the honorary consulate general be housed at Norway House,” said Eivind Heiberg, honorary consul general for Norway.  “Given the support the Norwegian government has extended to Norway House and its forthcoming expansion, it is the most logical location for those wishing to do business with the consulate.”

The honorary consulate general provides a range of services for people needing information on Norway and Norwegian-American relations. The consulate provides passport renewals, helps with citizenship and pension applications, and answers questions about visas and residence permits. It also facilitates business development, educational partnerships, and scientific collaborations between the two countries, as well as serving citizens of Norway traveling to the Upper Midwest.  The consulate has a staff of two and was most recently located in Minnetonka.  

“We are thrilled that the Norwegian honorary consulate general has chosen Norway House as its new home,” said Christina Carleton, executive director of Norway House. “This is an important milestone as we plan to break ground on our expansion later this year and fulfill our plans to be the National Norwegian Center in America. Additionally, its proximity adjacent to Mindekirken, the Norwegian Lutheran Memorial Church, centers the consulate in the heart of what was the historic Norwegian immigrant community along Franklin Avenue in south Minneapolis.”  

“It is an exciting development that the Norwegian honorary consulate general will make its new home at Norway House in Minneapolis,” said Kåre R. Aas, Norway’s ambassador to the United States. “Norway House has been an important part of my many visits to the region. They understand the importance of connecting culture, business and education between Norway and the United States.”

The consulate is open for appointments only at this time.

See Lori Ann Reinhall’s interview with Eivind Heiberg,  “Getting to know Eivind Heiberg,” The Norwegian American, July 10, 2020.

About Norway House 

Norway House partners with individuals, organizations, and businesses in the Norwegian-American community to promote an appreciation for and understanding of the American-Norwegian experience and its relationship to contemporary Norway and the world.  

Programs Norway House oversees include the gallery, the Edvard Grieg Society, Business Accelerator Resource Network (BARN), the Norway House Peace Initiative, and the “Going Viking” award, which recognizes the accomplishments of notable Norwegian-American leaders. For more information, please visit www.norwayhouse.org.

This article originally appeared in the July 10, 2020, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.