Courtesy The Marucie Sendak Archives, The Rosenbach Museum and Archive, Philadelphia, PA.

As the title indicates, the “voice” of the exhibition is Sendak himself and focuses on his lifework through the lens of his Jewish heritage. Facsimiles of original illustrations, manuscripts, handwritten notes, together with an in-depth interview, give visitors insight into the vision, inspirations, and the creative process of today’s premier author, illustrator and artist, Maurice Sendak.

An exhibition for all ages, Where The Wild Things Are provides the opportunity for hands-on interaction with Sendak’s stories and characters. Visitors are encouraged to dress up like a “wild thing” and dance in the wild forest, cook in the “Night Kitchen,” read on Rosie’s Stoop, slide into a bowl of chicken soup, and create their own masterpieces while listening to classical music.

Most importantly, the exhibition promotes literacy and creativity.

Exhibition Specs

Size of Exhibition: 1600 – 2800 square feet

Number of objects: 62 high quality facsimiles

Display material:
• 11 text panels
• 10 wall sized vinyl graphic images
• 3 video kiosks
• 7 oversized book units
• 5 display cases
• 6 wild things costumes

Large-scale Interactives

Rosie’s Stoop – Visitors can relax and read Sendak’s books on the front steps of Rosie’s Brooklyn Brownstone based on Sendak’s book “Really Rosie.”

Chicken Soup Bowl – Chicken soup is nice any time, especially when young children can slide into a bowl full of it! Foam “soup” and “rice” stuffed carrots and chickens are included.

Night Kitchen – Visitors can bake delicious dishes in the kitchen from Sendak’s “The Night Kitchen.” Pots, pans, play food, baking utensils and baker’s rack and oven included.

Music Component – Sendak created his books listening to Mozart and Beethoven. Visitors can design unique masterpieces using magnetic wooden pieces while listening to music created by Sendak’s favorite composers.

Wild Thing Fun Mirror – Wild things have a blast while they dress up in costumes from Sendak’s book “Where The Wild Things Are.” Costumes included.

Additional Support:

CD of camera-ready Kids Gallery Guides
“Unguided Tour” guides

Installation: Borrower to provide system to hang over-sized wall images. 5 display cases and 7 bookstands are provided by The Breman

Fees: $40,000 for 4 months, plus shipping one way.

Target Ages: 3 – 10, Adults.

The opening exhibition in Atlanta contained original Sendak material borrowed from The Rosenbach Museum and Library in Philadepphia. The traveling version includes facsimiles of the Rosenbach material approved by Maurice Sendak with a few originals on loan from other sources. Borrowing institutions must work directly with the Rosenbach to procure the originals.

For information about bringing Where the Wild Things Are for your own wild things, or about any of The Breman's other traveling exhibitions, please contact Jennifer Campbell, Director of Special Exhibitions, by e-mail, or by phone at 404-870-1871.

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