Lāth Carlson, a seasoned museum professional, has been announced as the new executive director and CEO of the National Nordic Museum in Seattle. Carlson spent the past five years as the executive director of The Museum of the Future in Dubai, overseeing the completion of the museum’s iconic circular building, exhibits, and technology systems. He was recruited by the late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen in 2015 to be the first executive director of Living Computers Museum + Labs in Seattle, where he spent over three years before departing in 2019. During his time at Living Computers, Carlson focused on saving historic machines, expanding into interactive exhibits, and opening a dedicated Apple exhibit.
The National Nordic Museum, located in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, originally opened in 1980 and moved to a new building in 2018. The museum celebrates Nordic life from the past, present, and future, serving as a community gathering space. Carlson is taking over from retiring Executive Director and CEO Eric Nelson, who spent 17 years with the organization. Carlson is known for his leadership in museum innovation and technology, having also served as vice president of exhibits and content development at The Tech Museum of Innovation in Silicon Valley from 2012 to 2015.
Jay Bruns, president of the National Nordic Museum’s board of trustees, expressed excitement about welcoming Carlson back to Seattle and to the museum, highlighting his global leadership in the museum world. Carlson mentioned his plans to expand the museum’s focus on innovation into areas like education, housing, governance, wellness, and sports. He also expressed his anticipation of returning to Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, where he and his family have always felt at home. Carlson looks forward to commuting to work by bike and ferry, enjoying IPAs, and snowboarding on real snow in the mountains.
The Living Computers Museum + Labs, where Carlson previously served as executive director, announced its closure in June 2021. The museum had been closed since just before the pandemic in 2020, and the Allen estate is auctioning off computer artifacts and other items from Paul Allen’s collection. Carlson played a key role in the museum’s growth during his tenure, focusing on preserving historic machines, expanding into interactive exhibits, and showcasing technological innovations. He also hosted discussions with GeekWire on various museum initiatives and events.
As Carlson takes the helm at the National Nordic Museum, he aims to build upon the institution’s success and continue fostering a sense of community and innovation. With a background in museum leadership and a passion for technology, Carlson is expected to bring fresh ideas and initiatives to the museum. His experience at Living Computers and The Tech Museum of Innovation positions him well to lead the National Nordic Museum into its next chapter of growth and development. The museum’s board of trustees looks forward to the impact Carlson will have on the institution and the community it serves.
