Follow the Yellow Brick Road
Land of Oz comes to Boston Children’s Museum
If you’re one of the millions of fans of the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, you’re in for a treat: a traveling exhibition, originally mounted to commemorate the film’s 70th anniversary, has just arrived at the Boston Children’s Museum. Kids and adults alike can experience Munchkinland, the Emerald City, and the yellow brick road in between in the museum’s The Wizard of Oz Children’s Educational Exhibition.
In this interactive walk-through exhibition, fans of all ages can experience elements of the classic film. See a replica of Dorothy’s famous Ruby Slippers as well as authentic photos from the film. Move on to the Gale Farm and its simulated petting zoo, where guests can experience the feel of various farm animals. In Dorothy’s slanted bedroom, you can create your own tornado.
At the Emerald City, use a kaleidoscope-like device to change the hue of the horse of a different color. Finally, stop by the Wicked Witch of the West’s castle, where younger visitors can ride the witch’s bicycle and use ropes to scale the side of the fortress to reach her coveted broom. Along the way, you’ll meet Dorothy’s friends the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion.
When you’ve had enough of Oz, click your heels together three times and follow the yellow brick road out of the exhibition, because, after all, “there’s no place like home.”
The Wizard of Oz runs through September 10, 2011, at Boston Children’s Museum, on Children’s Wharf, 308 Congress St., Boston, 617-426-6500. The closest T stop is the Courthouse stop on the Silver Line. The museum is open Saturday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is free for children 12 months and under and $12 for all other guests. Admission is $6 for all visitors Saturday to Thursday between 4 and 5 p.m. and $1 for all visitors on Friday nights between 5 and 9 p.m. Children younger than 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Adults unaccompanied by children must provide state-issued photo identification or a passport.
Brendan Gauthier can be reached at btgauth@gmail.com.
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