The Nordic Heritage Museum in Seattle has received a major grant from one of Denmark’s most established foundations, the A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation, which brings them even closer to narrowing the funds needed to building a new museum facility on N.W. Market Street in Ballard.

A.P. Møller and Chastine Mc-Kinney Møller Foundation has made a $4 million dollar commitment.

“We are extremely honored that the A.P. Møller Foundation has decided to support this important project," says CEO of the Nordic Heritage Museum, Eric Nelson. “Direct support from Scandinavia is important for us and helps strengthen the connection between the Pacific Northwest and the Nordic Region. This support also fortifies our position as an authentic Nordic platform here in the US."

“The Nordic American maritime story is one of the key components of the museum, and with this donation, we are excited to have the A.P. Møller Foundation assist us in the future development of the museum’s profile," continues Eric Nelson.

Construction of the new building at Market Street starts later this year with an anticipated opening in early 2018.

Most of the permitting and design phase for the $44.6 million project has been completed and Jan Woldseth Colbrese, of the NHM told the Ballard News-Tribune that they plan to break ground during the summer of 2016 and be open to the public by late 2018.

“We have less than $5 million to go, so we are on track and we plan to secure these commitments in the next month,” said Colbrese

NHM also recently secured a $1 million grant For Culture Grant from King County bringing them even closer to their goal.

“We are very excited to receive funds from that program as well.”