‘A Beautiful Day to Be You’ carries Mister Rogers’ legacy forward
Mister Rogers is one of the most recognizable and beloved figures in television history.
And it’s no wonder. Fred Rogers hosted “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” for more than 30 years, and he became a familiar and comforting figure for generations of children who would watch his program on public television. The series was produced at the studios of WQED-TV in Pittsburgh, with more than 912 episodes being created between 1968 and 2001.
For fans of the beloved Latrobe native, the latest collaboration between the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and Fred Rogers Productions is something that they will want to see – it’s the exhibit “It’s a Beautiful Day to Be You: Inspired by Mister Rogers, Daniel Tiger and Donkey Hodie.” It is at the museum through Jan. 3.
Using characters to teach character
Anne Fullenkamp, senior director of creative experiences at the Children’s Museum, oversaw the exhibit’s design and construction. Fullenkamp explained that the Lily Foundation, which supported the project, gave the museum considerable creative freedom in developing the exhibit.
“We’re artists, and so we just jumped in and started fiddling around,” Fullenkamp said. “The result was a collection of interactive experiences centered around making choices and developing character.”
The exhibit introduces the concept of character through play. Children can travel through Trolley’s tunnel, which connects the Neighborhood of Make-Believe and Someplace Else, and wait for the familiar traffic light to signal when it’s their turn to enter.
In the Enchanted Garden, they’ll have the opportunity to pick a flower, shower it with love and water and watch it bloom before it becomes part of the garden.
They’ll also be able to blast off to a dance party in space. At Purple Panda’s Spaceship Dance Party, pushing pegs, pulling levers and pressing buttons allows children to create their own musical mix.
“I can be brave, kind, persistent, curious, creative and collaborative” is the phrase used throughout the exhibit to give children a sense of agency according to Fullenkamp, adding that character development comes through practice.
“That’s why we call play the work of childhood,” Fullenkamp said.
Visitors will encounter characters like Miss Elaina, O the Owl, Katerina Kittycat, Prince Wednesday, Mom and Dad Tiger, Purple Panda, Bob Dog, Duck Duck, Grampy Hodie, Daniel Tiger and Donkey Hodie.
Donkey Hodie’s name itself is a playful nod to Don Quixote, the idealistic hero of Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th-century novel. The two characters share traits like optimism, idealism, determination and bravery. Quixote’s idealism was often described as “tilting at windmills,” so a windmill also appears in the exhibit.
Fullenkamp’s favorites
Fullenkamp has several favorite elements, including the frottage–more commonly known as the rubbings table.
“We’ve placed words about character development on the table; it’s a different way to introduce a reading, or writing activity,” she said.
Fullenkamp is also enamored with the 12-foot-long tunnel with spinning stars and lights at either end, as well as the beloved Mr. Rogers traffic light that turns green when guests make it to the other side.
Paul Siefken, president and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions, said the exhibit offers children and families a playful way to practice character traits.
“‘It’s a Beautiful Day to Be You’ provides a playful space where children, along with their families, can practice essential character traits like kindness, resilience and bravery,” Siefken said. “Rogers reminded us that play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. This exhibit carries that vital message forward to a new generation.”
Older folks who grew up with “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” will recognize the familiar lessons Rogers taught to generations of children. Younger visitors will encounter similar lessons taught through Daniel Tiger and Donkey Hodie.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For information, go online to pittsburghkids.org.