Based on the familiar characters in H.A. and Margret Rey’s classic stories published by Houghton Mifflin, the new Curious George exhibit inspires young children’s natural curiosity as they explore early science, math and engineering concepts through hands-on interactive play. The immersive exhibit re-creates the neighborhood where Curious George lives with his friend, The Man with the Yellow Hat. Visitors will recognize familiar characters and places featured in the classic stories and the popular PBS KIDS television series produced by Imagine Entertainment, WGBH Boston and Universal Studios Family Productions. The result is a three-dimensional, fully developed world that will resonate with young visitors while also appealing to grown-ups who remember the classic series from their childhood.
The individual environments featured in the exhibit include George’s apartment building, nearby locales like the neighborhood supermarket and park (complete with a 3-hole mini-golf course), and places like a farm and even outer space where George’s curiosity famously got the best of him. The exhibit also includes a “Museum Within the Museum” component where visitors can learn the fascinating story of H.A. and Margret Rey’s escape from France during World War II and how they saved the original Curious George manuscript, as well as an look at their work and Curious George’s history in print and media. As an added feature, the Science Museum has created a “Curiosity Corner” where young visitors can engage in activities designed to reinforce the science concepts introduced in the exhibit. Text panels and interpretive materials in the exhibit are provided in both English and Spanish to ensure accessibility for a wider audience.
The exhibit was designed, developed and built by the Minnesota Children’s Museum in partnership with Universal Studios Consumer Products Group. The exhibit’s content is based on educational standards developed by MCM and an expert advisory panel to the PBS KIDS series, as well as national science and math standards for young children.
The Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! exhibit is sponsored nationally by 3M. The lead local sponsor of the exhibit’s Springfield appearance is PeoplesBank; media sponsors are WGBY Public Television and The Republican, Masslive, and El Pueblo Latino.
General admission to all four Springfield Museums is $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and college students, $9.50 for children 3-17, free for children under three and museum members, and includes admission to all four museums. General admission is free for Springfield residents with proof of address. There is a $5 special exhibition fee for all visitors ages 3 and up to view Curious George in addition to museum admission.