Mo Willems Storybook ‘Pigeon’ Returns to Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

After a long road trip, “The Pigeon Comes to Pittsburgh!: A Mo Willems Exhibit” returns to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

Based on the “Pigeon” children’s book series by the award-winning author/illustrator month Willemsthe exhibition runs until May 8 at the premises of 10 Children’s Way on the North Side.

Beginning with “Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus!” from 2003, the book series places the main character in different situations in which he and young listeners learn a lesson. The Pigeon also makes an appearance in other Willems books.

“The pigeon is coming to Pittsburgh!” debuted at the Children’s Museum in 2018 and has traveled to over eight locations in North America.

The exhibit gives children and families the opportunity to explore activities and settings from Willems’ books featuring not only the Pigeon, but also best friends Elephant and Piggie and trusty companion Knuffle Bunny.

“Our collaboration with Mo Willems continues to inspire curiosity, creativity and joy at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and beyond,” said museum executive director Jane Werner. “We are thrilled to once again host this exhibit which features some of the most beloved children’s book characters, and we can’t wait for children and families to explore and imagine what the world of Mo Willems can be like.”

Visitors have the opportunity to create works of art inspired by Willems and learn about the social and emotional lives of the author’s characters. The exhibition also features prints of Willems’ illustrations, including sketches and other preliminary material.

“The museum continues to have regular collaboration with (Willems) and our team continues to check in with him,” said Max Pipman, the museum’s communications director. “We hope to do more exhibitions with him in the future.

“His characters are among the most well-known and beloved visitors to the Children’s Museum and its educational center,” he added.

A limited number of signed copies of Willem’s latest book, “Opposites Attract,” are available in the museum’s Little Orange Store, Pipman noted. The book explores opposites in a non-traditional way through 18 abstract images.

Return of daily hours

The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday through January 31. Starting February 1, the museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The adjacent MuseumLab is open from noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

A return to daily hours “has been a long time coming,” Pipman said. “We are very happy to be able to reach more children and families again.”

Advance tickets are strongly encouraged as capacity is limited. Masks are mandatory for all guests aged 2 and over and social distancing is enforced. Masks can be removed while eating or drinking in the museum cafe.

For more information, call 412-322-5058, email hi@pittsburghkids.org or visit pittsburghkids.org.