The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh has opened a new family‑friendly exhibit titled “It’s a Beautiful Day to Be You: Inspired by Mister Rogers, Daniel Tiger and Donkey Hodie.” The exhibit, a collaboration with Fred Rogers Productions, runs through Jan. 3 and offers interactive experiences that teach children about character traits such as kindness, resilience and bravery.
Design and creative freedom
Anne Fullenkamp, senior director of creative experiences at the museum, oversaw the exhibit’s design. With support from the Lily Foundation, the museum received considerable creative freedom. “We’re artists, and so we just jumped in and started fiddling around,” Fullenkamp said, noting that the result is a collection of hands‑on activities centered on making choices and developing character.
Playful learning stations
Visitors travel through Trolley’s tunnel, linking the Neighborhood of Make‑Believe and Someplace Else, and wait for a familiar traffic light to signal when it’s their turn to enter. In the Enchanted Garden, children can pick a flower, shower it with love and water, and watch it bloom before it becomes part of the garden.
At Purple Panda’s Spaceship Dance Party, kids push pegs, pull levers and press buttons to create their own musical mix and blast off to a dance party in space. Throughout the exhibit, the phrase “I can be brave, kind, persistent, curious, creative and collaborative” reinforces a sense of agency.
Beloved characters and nods to classic literature
The exhibit features familiar faces such as 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 pays tribute to Don Quixote, and a windmill appears as a visual reminder of the literary hero’s idealism.
Favorite elements
Fullenkamp highlighted the 12‑foot‑long tunnel with spinning stars and lights, as well as the iconic Mr. Rogers traffic light that turns green when guests reach the other side. She also praised the “rubbings table,” where words about character development are placed for children to explore reading and writing activities.
Leadership’s view
Paul Siefken, president and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions, said the exhibit offers a playful space for families to practice essential character traits. “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,” he said.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit pittsburghkids.org.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
