Wanda Gag House

Wanda Hazel Gág (1893-1946), author and illustrator of Millions of Cats, was the eldest of seven children in a talented family growing up in New Ulm, Minnesota. The community in the Minnesota River valley, noted for its German heritage, is about 95 miles southwest of the Twin Cities. Millions of Cats, considered a classic in children’s literature, is one of several children’s books by the famous artist and author. Among them are A B C Bunny, Gone Is Gone, and Tales from Grimm, which she translated from the German and illustrated.

The Wanda Gág House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1893, the restored two-and-a-half story Queen Anne is the childhood home of internationally acclaimed artist, illustrator and printmaker Wanda Hazel Gág. Wanda Hazel Gág, author of the classic children’s book, Millions of Cats, was born March 11, 1893 to Anton Gág and his wife Lissi, in New Ulm. She was the eldest of seven children.

Full of raw talent, the Gag Family helped document history, beautify homes and public buildings, and produced a number of works of art for children and folks of all ages to enjoy. Each family member brought a unique sense of beauty to their creations. Though Anton and Lizzie had seven children, the work of Flavia and Wanda brought more recognition than the others.

The Wanda Gág House Association is known for its collection of art, artifacts, and books that relate to the history of Wanda Gág and the Gag family. The art collection includes: lithographs, paintings, and drawings by Wanda Gag and paintings by Anton Gág and Flavia Gag, another of the talented children. It also includes books written and illustrated by Wanda and Flavia. The collection is all original art and provides audiences with a thorough survey of major developments in Gág art in a welcoming setting.