Lāth Carlson, a seasoned museum professional, has been appointed as the new executive director and CEO of the National Nordic Museum in Seattle. Carlson previously served as the executive director of The Museum of the Future in Dubai, overseeing the completion of the museum’s iconic circular building and exhibits. His return to Seattle has been warmly welcomed by the museum’s board of trustees, who are looking forward to his leadership and innovation. Carlson’s experience includes serving as the first executive director of Living Computers Museum + Labs, where he focused on saving historic machines and expanding into contemporary interactive exhibits.
The National Nordic Museum, originally opened in 1980 and moved to a new building in 2018, celebrates Nordic life through its exhibits and community events. Carlson will be taking over from the retiring Eric Nelson, who spent 17 years with the organization. During his time at Living Computers, Carlson hosted discussions with GeekWire about the museum’s expansion and the opening of a dedicated Apple exhibit. His background also includes serving as the vice president of exhibits and content development at The Tech Museum of Innovation in Silicon Valley, where he focused on museum innovation and technology.
Carlson’s vision for the National Nordic Museum includes expanding its focus on innovation into areas such as education, housing, governance, wellness, and sports. He is particularly interested in building on the success of the Nordic Innovation Summit and further expanding its reach. Carlson and his family are excited to return to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, where they feel at home. He looks forward to commuting to work by bike and ferry, enjoying the local craft IPAs, and snowboarding on real snow rather than sand dunes, as he did while living abroad in Dubai.
The National Nordic Museum serves as a cultural hub for the Nordic community in Seattle and beyond, showcasing the traditions and innovations of Nordic life. Carlson’s experience in museum leadership and his focus on innovation and technology make him a great fit for the organization. His background in overseeing the construction and development of new museum spaces will be valuable as the National Nordic Museum continues to grow and evolve. Carlson’s work at Living Computers and The Tech Museum of Innovation demonstrates his commitment to preserving history while also embracing technology and innovation.
The National Nordic Museum is known for its vibrant community events, educational programs, and exhibits that highlight the rich cultural heritage of the Nordic countries. Carlson’s leadership will bring new ideas and initiatives to the museum, creating exciting opportunities for growth and engagement with the community. His return to Seattle is seen as a positive step for the museum and the city, as Carlson’s experience and vision align with the goals and mission of the National Nordic Museum. With Carlson at the helm, the museum is poised to continue its tradition of celebrating Nordic life while also exploring new avenues for innovation and growth.
