After a month long stay at the Boston Children's Museum where it debuted, an interactive exhibit featuring one of the most popular characters from children's literature has arrived at the Seattle Center. Until May 11, visitors to Seattle's Children's Museum will have the chance to encounter Curious George, The Man in the Yellow Hat and all of their friends at the Curious George: Let's Get Curious! exhibit.
"We're fortunate enough to attract the big-name brands here, which is marvelous," said Amy Hale, director of education at the Children's Museum. "With Curious George in particular, I'm very excited because it fits perfectly with our approach of [fostering a] love of learning."
For those who don't have young children in their lives, or don't tune into Seattle's public television on KCTS Channel 9 on weekdays at 8 a.m., Curious George is a monkey and a central character in the books first created by the husband-and-wife duo, Hans and Margret Rey in 1941.
The Reys fled Paris and the Nazis in 1940 by bicycle with their manuscripts in hand. Their route took them to Spain, and then by boat to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and eventually to New York City, where the first Curious George title was printed. The Children's Museum exhibit summarizes this fascinating history, a must for those who are only familiar with the recent educational cartoon series.
"There's going to be a good opportunities to bring in pieces of both of [the Rey's] cultures - France and South America - and their work as artists," noted Hale, when discussing the biographical section of the exhibit.
Hale added that, by featuring the Reys, the museum is enforcing one of its primary educational goals: engendering children with a love of art and creativity. She also noted that, like the current television series, there will be an emphasis on science concepts done in settings that are comfortable for the children.
Some of the highlights include installations that allow kids to explore the principle of optics, light and shadows, color theory and categorization. Of course, durable banana-yellow surfaces dominate the exhibit and impart a sense of happiness and fun across the entire space.
"All of this is done in everyday, familiar settings for kids," Hale said. "There's a fruit stand, a playground, an apartment building space. There's a great construction site with ramps and pulleys, as well as an area where [the children] can practice drafting and designing, which is a great math extension. It's meant to be a familiar place to explore for kids, whether it's a city park or a farm."
To learn more about the Seattle Children's Museum's Curious George: Let's Get Curious! exhibit, visit www.thechildrensmuseum.org or call 441-1768 for more information. The museum is located at 305 Harrison Street on the lower level of the Seattle Center's Center House.
Erik Hansen may be reached via editor@southseattlebeacon.com.
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