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Elverhoj Museum in Solvang, |
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| Something happens when a visitor
opens the beautifully carved door at the main entrance to the Elverhoj
Museum. There is a warm welcome offered by docents, often in their
Danish costumes, who are eager to share the story of this hand-crafted
historical building. The building was constructed by an artistic
family, Viggo and Martha Brandt-Erichsen, taking three years to
build. The home was intended to resemble an 18h century northern
Denmark farmhouse, and has the features of real brick facing and genuine
wood half timber Scandinavian architecture. The home became known
for many art and music events.
The former residence became a museum of Solvang history and Danish heritage after the death of Mrs. Brandt-Erichsen in the 1980's. Viggo had passed on in 1955, just three years after the home was completed in 1952. After extensive retrofitting to meet California earthquake standards, the museum opened to the public in 1988. Since then approximately 66,000 visitors have come worldwide. Inside the building, visitors become immediately aware and are captivated with the many embellishments of carved wood, ornamental wrought iron, painted panels and examples of sculpture throughout, the permanent imprint of this remarkable family. Elverhoj has several dedicated exhibit areas: in the Old Solvang Room with its history of the town is a display of the old folk school, Atterdag College. The Early Room has authentic Danish antique furnishings, representing a one-room pre-industrial home in Denmark. The Children's Room has a hand built baby bassinet with hand painted panels from Hans Christian Andersen stories. One of the most popular rooms is the kitchen, with hand painted floral on wood panels, the original work of Martha Brandt-Erichsen. The former studio is now the fine art gallery, a venue for changing exhibitions of local, regional, national and even international art. The front room area has a mix of artifacts from Solvang and Denmark, including the Chickering piano once used for Easter sunrise services. The piano had been taken by horse-drawn sled to the top of Mt. Calzada, the highest point in Solvang. Almost completed is a diorama of Solvang's first twenty years, set up in a cottage in the museum garden. The dedication and grand opening is expected sometime in the spring 2000. The museum has become an important asset for not only the village of Solvang, but for the Santa Ynez Valley. From young people, who come in to learn local history, to seniors in the Solvang Elderhostel program sponsored by the museum, this institution strengthens the cultural and economic climates, generates greater pride in local residents and greater attention from tourists, business developers, and other potential sources of revenue. What does "Elverhoj" mean? The translation, "hill of the elves", is from a play written as part of the celebration of a Danish royal wedding in 1828. Captivated by the story in the play, the Brandt-Erichsen's were inspired to call their home "Elverhoj House" The family descendents are very pleased that the legacy of developing cultural interests continues, and the happy spirit of the Elverhoj is part of the charm of the museum. Submitted by Marilyn Cronk, Museum Director |
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