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    Hans Christian Andersen Museum

    3.9 (103 reviews)
    Closed 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Karina C.

    Hans Christian Andersen Museum - Solvang Such a sweet hidden gem in Solvang This small, free museum is located upstairs above The Book Loft, and it's absolutely worth the visit. The museum beautifully celebrates the life and works of Hans Christian Andersen, with exhibits about his famous stories, his friendship with singer Jenny Lind, and philanthropist Jean Hersholt. I loved seeing the displays of his letters, poetry, and intricate paper-cut art so personal and fascinating. Even though it's small, it's full of heart and history. They also offer tours and host an annual celebration for Andersen's birthday, which makes it feel extra special. If you love literature, fairy tales, or Danish history, this museum is a charming and meaningful stop while exploring Solvang Highly recommend!

    Carl N.

    HCA museum is a tiny museum dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen books. It is located in downtown Solvang. If you like books this museum is for you. This museum is a good place to bring kids. Overall, it's a nice museum for family and kids.

    Jessica P.

    Books, books, and more books. The HCA museum and book store is a must visit in solvang. He was responsible for the inspiration of many of the classics we enjoy to this day. My girls loved tbe little museum and the models of what things looked like when HCA was around. Also his life story and the inspiration behind some of his writings. The books tire is a bit pricey but they have a lot of really cool gifts and stationary ! Very friendly staff would visit again but don't feel like I need to go back. I just love book stores though!

    Marlana Y.

    Very interesting and informative museum. It's free and small, the second floor is the museum and the first floor is a bookstore. It's more a read and look type of museum- not really for toddlers. My eldest daughter about age 8 did enjoy reading the info plaque and seeing the little miniatures as well as historical items. If it's on your way, something nice to stop by but I wouldn't go out of my way. We enjoyed looking at the little mermaid pop up book but they don't sell it there.

    Posters
    Melissa H.

    Beautifully maintained museum. It's free but a donation of $5 is appreciated, but not required (if you have cash). It goes into the clear, plastic box upstairs near the desk. The museum had a mix of books, poetry and historical facts relevant to Hans Christian Andersen and artifacts regarding Denmark. I particularly liked the heavy wooden shoes. Wow, it must have been difficult to wear! But they're so artfully made. One of his most famous works is The Little Mermaid but he also wrote Little Match Girl, Princess and the Pea, the Emperor's New Clothes, Ugly Duckling and so many more. This museum transitions into the Book Loft, which is a bookstore located on the lower level. If you're a history or book lover, this is definitely worth the visit.

    Maureen T.

    This is a free museum that celebrates the work of Hans Christian Andersen. It's small and has some information on his life and his stories... lots of fun facts. Located over a quaint book shop. You do have to climb stairs to get to the museum which is on the second level. No elevators, as it's an old building. Worth at least one visit if you are a book and story fan.

    Dani S.

    Very cool bookstore and museum full of old books. Stumbled upon this cute old bookstore while walking around in Solvang. It was very fascinating, I love that they have the original version of the story that Hans Christian Anderson wrote as well as the Disney versions which is completely different. Very nostalgic!

    Kelly B.

    Small but mighty! Located in the upstairs of the awesome Book Loft is this ode to Hans Christian Anderson. I loved looking at all the various book covers of his works as I find artwork and localization fascinating. I learned a lot about his life and history. It was a good quick stop in the heart of an awesome bookstore.

    Displays/exhibits
    Annabelle R.

    Solvang's Book Loft is already a lovely place to explore, but when you enter this cozy space dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen, you'll be charmed by the impressive collection of classic works by the famed author and exhibits showcasing his life and history. His fairytales remind me of my childhood, and though his stories taught me life lessons and enhanced my imagination, there's so much about the writer I never knew. I am particularly fascinated by his remarkable paper cuttings, some of which are on display here. The museum is small, but it's free to visit and absolutely worth checking out.

    Hans Christian Andersen Museum
    John D.

    A Plot to be Desired Located on the top floor of the The Book Loft (a bookstore doy) is a small museum that pays homage to Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The museum is run by the non-profit Ugly Duckling Foundation, whose sole mission is to "...foster and promote the public understanding enjoyment of the library other works of Hans Christian Andersen." The museum is small and showcases the amazing literary works of Mr. Andersen, who without him, Disney® would be completely bankrupt of ideas years ago. The museum is free to visit, and you can buy books and swag to support the museum. Conclusion: Free to visit and can be seen in less than ten minutes. It's worth the stop, especially if you're a fan of literature.

    The Ugly Duckling (that eventually became a beautiful swan!) 1/13/24
    Lilah J.

    The Hans Christian Anderson museum is a small exhibit and library located on the second floor of the Book Loft. The museum houses his famous books including Thumbelina, the Emperor's New Clothes (was adapted to a movie), the Snow Queen (The movie Frozen was based on), The Princess and the Pea, The Ugly Duckling, and the super famous, The Little Mermaid, and others. The exhibit details and showcases Andersen's professional and some of his personal life. There are artifacts and replicas including a small replica of his childhood home. There is an opportunity to donate to the museum as well as memorabilia available. It utilizes a small space but, I did observe a parent reading to her child. Depending how many visitors are present, a visitor may have an opportunity to sit and enjoy a book. Overall, this is a charming and very nice homage to the great Hans Christian Andersen.

    Ellen B.

    This is one of my favorite places I visited on my trip to Solvang! It is a small museum that is free but you can donate money for its cause.I might be a bit biased as I loved this author since I was a kid and I learned lots of new information about him.  There was a very cute house replica and it was quite unique, I do not remember seeing anything like that in any other museum. There were shelves filled with Han's books translated into different languages, which was quite cool: not only you can see what books in other languages look like but also see the differences in art styles.

    Gracela B.

    Free museum upstairs and nice bookstore downstairs! It is a quick stop in Solvang and worth checking out even once if you like Little Mermaid and other Hans Christian Andersen stories/books.

    The museum entrance is located upstairs, The Book Loft is located downstairs!

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    2 years ago

    I loved this place. As a child I read Hans Christian books. Being in the museum and book store was truly amazing.

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    Review Highlights - Hans Christian Andersen Museum

    The Hans Christian Andersen Museum is located on top of The Book Loft in the heart of Solvang.

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