International Swedenborg Day 2027
January 29, 2027
About International Swedenborg Day 2027
International Swedenborg Day takes place on 29 January each year to celebrate the life and work of Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772), widely regarded as one of Sweden’s most remarkable intellectuals and authors. The day is run by Swedenborg House in London and is held on Swedenborg’s birthday.
What is International Swedenborg Day?
International Swedenborg Day celebrates a figure remembered for his contributions to science, engineering, philosophy, religion, and literature. During his lifetime, Swedenborg gained recognition for pioneering work in mathematics, metallurgy, anatomy, and astronomy. He founded Sweden’s first scientific journal and made important discoveries relating to the brain, the nervous system, and cosmology. His engineering concepts included designs for submarines, aircraft, and mechanical devices, and he served as an advisor to King Charles XII and as assessor for Sweden’s Board of Mines, where he helped improve mining techniques and industrial practices important to the Swedish economy.
Later in life, Swedenborg turned towards theology after claiming to experience visions of the spiritual world. He produced a vast body of writing describing heaven, hell, and the relationship between the material and spiritual realms, which subsequently had a profound impact on romanticism, symbolism, surrealism, magical realism, psychogeography, and American transcendentalism. His literary remains, held in the collection of The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, were designated as part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World programme in 2006.
When is International Swedenborg Day?
International Swedenborg Day is held annually on 29 January, the anniversary of Emanuel Swedenborg’s birth. In 2027 it falls on Friday 29 January.
Who Runs International Swedenborg Day?
Swedenborg House in London is dedicated to preserving Swedenborg’s legacy and extending awareness of his cultural and intellectual significance. It houses an extensive library, bookshop, museum, and archive, and runs a doctoral scholarship alongside a year-round programme of exhibitions and events.
How to Get Involved
- Visit Swedenborg House – Explore the museum, library, and bookshop in Bloomsbury, London, or attend one of the exhibitions and events in its year-round programme.
- Read Swedenborg – Discover the writing that influenced generations of artists, poets, and thinkers, from William Blake to the American transcendentalists.
- Join the celebration – Look out for talks, readings, and events marking Swedenborg’s birthday on 29 January.
- Spread the word – Share the day and Swedenborg’s remarkable story with fellow readers, historians, and the curious.
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