If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales – Albert Einstein
Well, as the above quote rightly indicates, no one’s childhood is complete without its share of fairy tales. Tales that are, more often than not, of a far away land, of elves and dwarfs and of course of living happily ever after! Fairy tales have been an integral part of my childhood too and given a chance I would still devour all of them!
Given my undying love for fairy tales, I was naturally thrilled when I spotted the Hans Christian Andersen Museum in Solvang. Founded by three Danish immigrants, Solvang is a quaint town in Santa Barbara County, California and is known for its distinct Danish culture. An ode to Denmark’s famous folktale author, Solvang even has a square named after Hans Christian Andersen.
The museum itself is small, unassuming and cozy. Nestled on the on the second floor of The Book Loft store, the museum focuses on the life and work of Anderson. Here are some captures:
A bust of the renowned author greets you at the entrance of the museum that is operated by the Ugly Duckling Foundation.
Displays include photographs, newspaper cuttings, photographs and other memorabilia of the famous author.
Props depicting his fairy tales, activities for children, reading corners and book shelves full of his eternally charming books, make the museum a must visit when in California.
As the famous quote by C. S. Lewis goes : Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again!
