The Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Solvang, California

by Helga George, Ph.D.

This museum displays aspects of H. C. Andersen’s upbringing, life, works, and his contributions to both American and Danish culture.

The city of Solvang was founded by Danish immigrants, thus, it is fitting that this city contains a museum of the famous Danish author, Hans Christian Andersen. Although known primarily for his children’s books, such as The Princess and the Pea, Mr. Andersen also wrote novels and poetry. This museum contains a variety of items pertaining to his life, ranging from responses to correspondence with his fans to a display of the loves of his life. Filled with volumes of his work, including copies of his works in Danish, the museum paints a well-rounded picture of the man and his life.

From a Humble Beginning to Entertaining the Royalty of Europe

Born to a young shoemaker and his wife, Andersen’s family was of modest means. A model of the home in which he was raised is on display at the museum. Also featured in the museum is an exhibit of how his father would have made shoes, with a display of antique tools necessary to make the wooden shoes used in Denmark during the 1800s.

Like many writers, Hans Christian Andersen went through a period of struggle and penury before he achieved fame with his universally loved fairy tales. The museum has an exhibit about Edward Collin, his main supporter and adviser for 50 years. There is even an exhibit of whimsical paper cut figures that he made to entertain the aristocratic families that he stayed with in Scandinavia and Germany.

Andersen loved a number of women during his lifetime, although he never married. Details about these women are provided. Of particular note was the famous singer, Jenny Lind. Also shown are different stages of the author himself. From a large bust of the author when older to a copy of a portrait of the author as a young man, one can see many versions of Mr. Andersen. The museum even has a high-quality doll of him on display.

The Influential Fairy Tale The Little Mermaid

Despite Andersen’s intentions to have The Little Mermaid be a book for adults, given its harsh ending, this fairy tale has become a favorite for children all over the world and the subject of musicals and films. According to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum, the Little Mermaid has become an emblem of Danish culture. Famous statues of the mermaid are found in Denmark and Solvang. In keeping with Solvang’s Danish heritage, the mermaid figure is a prominent part of the seal of the city. As shown below, the museum has a display of a statue of the mermaid, along with a number of copies of the book.

Many of the Author’s Fairy Tales are Popular Around the World

The author had written a large number of fairy tales, with some of the most prominent being The Princess and the Pea, The Ugly Duckling, and Thumbelina. These stories have universal appeal and are popular worldwide. To call someone an “ugly duckling” has become a common phrase in English. The organization that established the museum is called The Ugly Duckling Foundation.

Jean Hersholt: Andersen Radio Star and Collector

The museum also has a display of the Danish-American actor Jean Hersholt, who played a character called Dr. Andersen in a popular radio series in the United States. He became a serious collector of Andersen’s works and was considered one of the world’s leading authorities on Mr. Andersen. His collection of 1500 manuscripts, first editions, and other material was bequeathed to the Library of Congress upon his death.

A Working Model of a Guttenberg Press Precedes the Museum’s Entrance

Although not part of the museum’s exhibit, I found it very exciting to see a working model of the famous Gutenberg Press displayed upstairs right before the entrance to the museum. The press is made entirely of authentic pieces, except for one nut and another small piece of metal, and is known as a McClure Press. A photograph is shown below. Technically, the press is part of the upstairs bookstore, The Solvang Book Store, an eclectic store that even carries books in Danish and Norwegian languages.

Location and Hours of the Hans Christian Andersen Museum

This museum is located in the downtown shopping area of Solvang and is very easy to find. Take Highway 246 into Solvang, where it becomes Mission St. The Book Loft is located next to the Solvang Coffee Shop soon after First St. and before Alisal Rd. on the right at 1680 Mission Drive. It is a very pleasant location with many flowering plants by charming buildings. The bookstore and café are favorites of many locals. One can access the museum from either business. Free to visit, it is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tours can be arranged by appointment.