Wildling Museum of Art and Nature
A charming museum in Solvang showcasing nature-inspired art, featuring rotating exhibits and a giant troll sculpture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Enjoy longer viewing hours.
Wildling Museum of Art and Nature
Best Time
Enjoy longer viewing hours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming museum in Solvang showcasing nature-inspired art, featuring rotating exhibits and a giant troll sculpture.
"Small but worth the trip, with engaging art activities and a unique troll."
🎯 Affordable Admission
Tickets are a bargain at $5-$7 per person, with children often free. A great value for art lovers!
🚗 Easy Street Parking
Plenty of free street parking is available, and some behind the building too.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lulu Hyggelig Troll Sculpture
First Floor
Meet Lulu, a giant wooden troll sculpture by Thomas Dambo, a unique and whimsical art installation.
Nature-Centric Art Exhibits
Galleries
Explore diverse and ever-changing exhibits featuring nature-inspired paintings, photography, and installations.
Kids' Art Studio
Third Floor
An engaging space for children to color and paint, making it a fun stop for families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Visit or Deep Dive?
Troll Treasure Hunt
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Admission
Tickets are a bargain at $5-$7 per person, with children often free. A great value for art lovers! +1
🚗 Easy Street Parking
Plenty of free street parking is available, and some behind the building too.
🎨 Engage with Art Activities
The museum offers interactive activities, especially on the third floor, perfect for all ages.
📸 Troll Photo Op
Don't miss a photo with Lulu Hyggelig, the giant wooden troll! A must-see for visitors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Admission
Tickets are a bargain at $5-$7 per person, with children often free. A great value for art lovers! +1
🚗 Easy Street Parking
Plenty of free street parking is available, and some behind the building too.
🎨 Engage with Art Activities
The museum offers interactive activities, especially on the third floor, perfect for all ages.
📸 Troll Photo Op
Don't miss a photo with Lulu Hyggelig, the giant wooden troll! A must-see for visitors.
🛍️ Charming Gift Shop
Browse the well-stocked gift shop for unique nature-themed souvenirs and art.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Wildling Museum for its affordable admission, kind staff, and engaging art activities, especially for children. It's considered a worthwhile quick stop in Solvang, with the giant troll sculpture being a unique highlight. Some note its small size, making it ideal for shorter visits.
"Small but worth the trip. The staff is incredibly kind and welcoming. There are many different activities all over the museum to help you engage with the art and nature. The third floor has a whole activity center good for artists and curious kids alike."
Libby W
"If you have 15-30 min to spend after eating food in Solvang, then this is a place to visit before you hit the road.
They host one of the 150+ trolls across the entire world (40+ across USA). Apart from that they have some amazing artwork on display. Cost is only $5 per person. They also have a cool gift shop, restrooms, and art activities for children."
Ganesh B
"CNAM is a small museum featuring ever-changing exhibits of nature-centric art, from animal and nature paintings to photography. It’s located in the ancestral lands of the Santa Ynez Tribe of Chumash in Solvang, CA.
It has three floors, the first floor are divided into three art galleries; second floor has one art gallery; the third floor is for art work studio for kids to color and paint. Admission ticket is $7 USD. Gift shop is tiny that share space by the admission front desk. My favorite section was the giant wooden Troll. You can spend 40 minutes to check the entire museum. Street parking is available.
Overall, it’s a nice little museum town that exhibits local artist art work."
Carlo N.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Wildling Museum is located in Solvang, California. It's easily accessible by car, with free street parking available nearby. If you're visiting Solvang for the day, it's a convenient stop after enjoying the Danish-themed town. +1
Yes, there is free street parking available in front of and around the museum. Some reviews also mention parking behind the building.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, typically around $5-$7 per person. Children are often free, making it a budget-friendly option. +1
The museum generally operates on weekdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's usually closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Always check their official website for the most current hours.
While not explicitly stated in all sources, it's generally recommended to check the museum's official website for online ticket purchasing options to save time.
The museum is housed in an old adobe building, so accessibility might vary. The third floor has an art studio, and the main galleries are on the first and second floors. It's best to contact the museum directly for specific accessibility information.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
The museum features a variety of nature-centric art, including paintings, photography, and installations. Exhibits are ever-changing, showcasing both permanent collections and temporary displays.
Absolutely! The third floor features an art studio with coloring and painting activities specifically for children, making it a fun and engaging experience for families.
Most visitors find that 15-30 minutes is sufficient for a quick visit, especially if you're just stopping by after exploring Solvang. However, you could easily spend up to an hour if you engage with the art activities.
The 'Nature of Clouds' is an art installation by Holli Harmon, featuring cloudscapes and kokedama. It has been showcased at the museum, offering a calming visual experience.
The museum occasionally hosts events and fundraisers, such as the one mentioned at Alisal Ranch, supporting its mission and exhibitions.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, the museum has a gift shop located near the admission desk. It's described as well-stocked with nature-themed items and art.
The Wildling Museum is located in Solvang, which is renowned for its Danish bakeries, cafes, and restaurants. You'll find plenty of dining options within walking distance.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or installations. The troll sculpture is a popular photo spot.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the chance for kids (and adults!) to meet Lulu Hyggelig, the giant wooden troll sculpture. It's a unique and memorable photo opportunity that adds an element of wonder to the visit. The museum's focus on nature art can also spark interesting conversations about the environment with children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Even with a short visit of 15-30 minutes, you can experience the unique art and see the famous troll sculpture. It's a perfect way to add a cultural element to your day trip without a hefty price tag.
📸 Art & Photography Enthusiasts
Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of opportunities, especially with the striking Lulu Hyggelig troll sculpture as a focal point.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting World of Nature Art
Beyond the visual arts, the museum often incorporates elements that encourage engagement. This can include interactive displays or dedicated spaces for creative expression. The focus on nature isn't just thematic; it's about fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for the environment through artistic interpretation.
Whether you're drawn to the intricate details of wildlife art or the grand landscapes captured through a lens, the Wildling Museum offers a curated collection that inspires and educates. It's a place where art and the environment converge, creating a truly special experience for all visitors.
A Family-Friendly Creative Hub
This creative space is more than just a diversion; it's an extension of the museum's mission to connect people with art and nature. By providing tools and a welcoming environment, the museum encourages children to express their own interpretations of the natural world, fostering a lifelong appreciation for art and creativity.
Parents often appreciate the opportunity for their children to engage in a constructive and educational activity while exploring the museum. It transforms a typical art viewing into a more dynamic and memorable outing for families.
The Iconic 'Trash, Trolls & Treasure Hunts'
Lulu Hyggelig is not just an impressive piece of art; it's a symbol of sustainability and imagination. Visitors are encouraged to take photos with the troll, making it a popular and memorable part of their museum visit. Its presence adds a unique, playful, and slightly magical element to the museum's collection.
The troll's inclusion highlights the museum's commitment to diverse and engaging art forms, extending beyond traditional mediums. It offers a fun, unexpected discovery that delights visitors of all ages and provides a fantastic photo opportunity.
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