Elverhøj Museum of History and Art
Museum in California dedicated to Danish culture / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Elverhøj Museum of History and Art is a museum in Solvang, California, whose mission is "to collect, preserve and exhibit the history and Danish culture of Solvang and to promote the arts."[1] It is one of the few examples of museums outside of Denmark that focus on Danish/Danish-American culture.[2] It is located a few blocks from the town center.[3] It is on a residential side street south of downtown.[4]
Established | 1988; 36 years ago (1988) |
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Location | Solvang, California |
Coordinates | 34°35′31″N 120°08′35″W |
Website | elverhoj |
The museum was the former residence of Viggo Brandt-Erichsen, an internationally known painter and sculptor, and his wife Martha Mott, a painter and art teacher.[1] In 1950, the couple constructed their house to reflect large farmhouses of 18th century Jutland in Denmark.[1] The museum was renovated in 1987 and opened to the public in May 1988.[1] The Brandt-Erichsen family first donated it to the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society.[1] Subsequently, the City of Solvang took over ownership and maintenance and the non-profit Solvang Heritage Associates operated the museum.[1] Later, due to the city's decline in budget, the ownership and maintenance was transferred to Solvang Heritage Associates in June 2007.[1]
The name Elverhøj means "Elves' Hill".[5] It came from the famous folk play Elverhøj from 1828 where a king visits dancing wood-spirits and forest friends at night.[1] The play has been performed in Solvang since 1914.[1] The redwood carving on the front door was inspired by the play and designed by Viggo Brandt-Erichsen.[1] It is now the museum's logotype.[1]
Elements of Scandinavian architecture can be seen throughout the building, such as ornamental wrought iron, a carved wooden front door, and hand-painted panels.[1] There is a traditional Danish kitchen with pine floors, countertops, and tables decorated with hand-painted green and stenciled flowers.[5] The museum also contains a number of old photographs and traditional arts and crafts, such as displays of paper cutting, lace-making, and wooden clog making.[5] There are also rotating exhibits that change throughout the year about the surrounding area.[5]
In 2020, the suggested donation was $5.[6] The museum also has a store that sells gift items and souvenirs.[3]