Leif Hagen - Founder and Owner of HHG
Once upon a time…
In the quiet town of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, a curious boy named Leif Hagen grew up with a heart full of wonder and a mind eager to explore the world. From an early age, Leif was enchanted by the stories of faraway lands, colorful traditions, and the magic woven into the fabric of different cultures.
Leif’s journey began at St. Olaf College, where he immersed himself in the melodies of foreign languages, mastering German and French. But his thirst for adventure could not be contained by books alone. So, with a spirit as bold as the northern winds, Leif set off to teach at an international school in the charming town of Zug, Switzerland. The Alps whispered secrets of old-world art and culture, fueling his growing passion for beauty and expression.
But Switzerland was just the beginning. From Europe, Leif sailed eastward to the mystical lands of Japan, where he taught English at Mashita Minami High School in the tranquil town of Gero. There, under the delicate blooms of cherry blossoms, he discovered the elegance of Japanese art and the quiet strength of tradition.
In 1992, Leif returned to Minnesota, trading mountains and cherry blossoms for the rolling fields of Roseville. He began a new chapter as a financial advisor, guiding others through the complex world of investments and retirement planning. But even as he built a successful career, the pull of art and culture never left his heart. His home and office became a treasure trove of pieces collected from his travels—vibrant Cuban paintings, intricate Balinese sculptures, elegant oriental rugs—each piece carrying the whispers of the place it came from.
Leif’s dream of sharing this rich tapestry of art with others took shape in 2025 with the birth of Hagen Hus Gallery. Nestled in Eagan, Minnesota, the gallery is more than a collection—it is a portal to the world, where art becomes a universal language. From Nigeria to Ukraine, Brazil to France, the pieces in Hagen Hus Gallery reflect the soul of each culture, inviting visitors to see the world through the eyes of its artists.
“Art is more than decoration; it tells stories, evokes emotions, and connects us across borders,” Leif often says. And so, Hagen Hus Gallery stands not just as a gallery, but as a bridge—between cultures, between collectors and creators, and between the past and the present.
And so, the boy from Stevens Point who once dreamed of faraway places now opens his doors to the world, inviting others to discover the stories hidden within every brushstroke and every sculpture. Leif Hagen’s story is far from over—this is just the beginning of a beautiful new chapter.
And they lived artfully ever after.
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