The Michael and Anna Ancher House (Danish: Michael og Anna Anchers Hus) is the former residence of the painters Michael and Anna Ancher in Skagen, Denmark. They were both central figures in the artist colony of Skagen Painters who lived and worked in the town during late 19th and early 20th century. They lived in the house for five decades and in 1813 expanded it with a studio annex designed by Ulrik Plesner, another member of the colony.
Their house now serves as a historic house museum and displays a large collection of their works. In 1989 the museum was expanded with the neighbouring Saxild House which is used for special exhibitions.
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After their marriage in 1880, Michael and Anna Ancher took up residency in the Garden House at Brøndums Hotel which was owned by Anna's parents.[1]
The house on Markvej was purchased in 1884. In 1913, a large studio annex was added to the property.
After the death of Michael and Anna Ancher in 1927 and 1935, respectively, the property was taken over by Helga Ancher, their only child, who owned it until her death in 1964. She left the house and all of its contents to a foundation. The former residence was restored and opened as a museum and visitor attraction.
In 1989 the Aage V. Jensens Foundation acquired the neighbouring Saxild House (Saxilds Gaard) and donated it to the museum. The property had been in the posession of the Saxild family from the late 18th century until 1959. The east wing housed a bakery from 1810 to 1919.
Original furniture and paintings created by the Anchers and other Skagen artists are shown in the restored home and studio.
The Saxild House hosts special exhibitions, usually of paintings by Michael and Anna Ancher as well as those of many other Skagen painters who made up their circle of friends.[2]