The former space is being converted into a 3,200-square-foot exhibition, “The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss”, as well as a recreation of Ted Geisel’s studio, an exhibition about the making of the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden and other related displays.
SPRINGFIELD-Taking a look behind the scenes at the former Connecticut Valley Historical Museum, it looks like Theodor Geisel, widely known as Dr. Seuss, may have been right.
“And will you succeed? Yes indeed, yes indeed! Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent guaranteed,” he once said, in an unintended allusion to the progress on the new “Amazing World of Dr. Seuss” museum at The Quadrangle in Springfield.
The space is being converted into a 3,200-square-foot exhibition, as well as a recreation of Geisel’s studio, an exhibition about the making of the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden and other related displays.
Slated to open in June of 2017, the building’s mechanical infrastructure of plumbing, electrical and climate control systems are now being upgraded. Murals from the various Seuss stories and publications are also being hand painted on the walls.
According to the Springfield Museums, “The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss” is a permanent, bilingual exhibition designed to introduce children and their families to the stories of Geisel, promote joy in reading, and nurture specific literacy skills.
The hands-on exhibition will provide opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking.
The museum will also be filled with personal memorabilia belonging to Geisel, including original oil paintings, a collection of zany hats and bow ties, the original Geisel Grove sign which used to hang in Forest Park, and furniture from the author’s sitting room and studio, including his drawing board, breakfast table, sofa, and armchair.
