This Untold History Tour at the Hendrik Christian Andersen Museum reveals one of the most significant and moving collections connected to LGBTQ+ history in Rome, centered on the life and work of a visionary artist whose story remains largely overlooked.

Hendrik Christian Andersen (April 17, 1872 – December 19, 1940) was an American sculptor, painter, and urban designer of Norwegian origin. Born in Bergen, Norway, he emigrated with his family to Newport, Rhode Island at a very young age. In 1893, Andersen traveled to Europe to pursue his artistic education and eventually settled in Rome, where he would live and work for the rest of his life.

In Rome, Andersen became part of a vibrant intellectual and artistic circle that included writers, painters, and thinkers of his time. He devoted much of his creative energy to an ambitious utopian project known as the “World City” (City-World)—a monumental vision of a city shaped by art, beauty, and harmony, intended to inspire humanity toward moral and spiritual progress.

In 1899, Andersen met Henry James, the renowned American writer. Despite a considerable age difference, the two developed an intense and emotionally charged relationship that lasted until James’s death in 1915. While the precise nature of their bond continues to be discussed by scholars, their extensive correspondence reveals a deep homoerotic attachment, marked by affection, longing, and emotional dependence.

One of the most revealing letters was written by Henry James to Andersen on February 9, 1902, following the death of Andersen’s brother. In it, James expresses profound emotional pain at being unable to comfort Andersen physically, offering rare insight into the depth of their connection.

Andersen died in Rome in 1940, leaving his house—Villa Helene—along with his studio, archives, and more than 400 works of art, to the Italian State. Today, the restored villa functions as a museum, preserving Andersen’s legacy and hosting not only his sculptures and drawings, but also works by contemporary artists and photographers, many of whom were part of his personal and artistic network.

This visit offers a powerful journey into gay history, art, and emotional intimacy, revealing a Rome rarely told through traditional narratives.