wanda gag house

Built and decorated by her father, also an artist, Wanda's family home has been restored and is operated by docents who have maintained this little jewel and remembered the life and work of one of our greatest translators and illustrators of children's literature. It was Wanda Gag who translated Snow White and made the images that influenced Walt Disney in his movie. She also wrote and illustrated Millions of Cats and The ABC Bunny. This may be the only place in the world where one can purchase a Wanda-illustrated hoodie, cards reproducing her work or a pencil with her cat illustrations. They also have a biography retelling her story: how she kept her seven siblings together during the Depression after the death of both parents and got all of them through school with money she made with her work as an artist.

Will enjoy this visit. Move at your own pace and take time to notice the details. Interesting Bohemian architecture and a fascinating family tale.

Wanda Gag grew up in New Ulm of Bohemian parents. She then left for the East Coast and became one of America's best known children's authors. This is her childhood home. She grew up here.The house is small (they were not rich). But the house does a great job at recreating the world in which she grew up. It does not take a lot of time to go through, but if you have some extra time in New Ulm this is certainly worth a quick visit.

As a little girl I had always loved reading Wanda Gag's books. During school trips around the town it was my favorite place to visit, and when I moved right across the street from the Wanda Gag house I was thrilled. Waking up every morning I get to see the beautiful house and the handy craft work. When it's not busy I find myself going to the house just to read over and over again about her life stories. Come visit!