I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for an art exhibition! The latest Playful World of Eric Carle exhibition at UCCA Lab is, without a doubt, the most highly anticipated art exhibition for parents and kids alike in Beijing.
Following a successful show in Shanghai, the Playful World of Eric Carle has finally come to Beijing.
What you can expect is hours of fun for kids of all ages. My 21-month-old daughter played side by side with kids around 9 or 10, all falling in love with the activities and fully immersing themselves in the books that they love.
What you don’t expect, but will be pleasantly surprised by, is how this exhibition is just as fun for the parents as it is for the kids.
Not only do you get to find a place to entertain your kids for far cheaper than your average play place, it’s also designed with a play-based learning aspect to it. Each station is one of Eric Carle’s books, brought to life.
What you’ll come to be surprised by is just how much the exhibition will bring back memories of your own childhood. Unlike my daughter’s other favorite series, Bizzy Bear, all the Eric Carle books are what I also grew up reading. I remember sitting in Barnes & Noble and flipping through the pages, trying to decide which one I would take home with me since mom told me I could only have one. They’re memories of love, fun, and seriously tough kid decisions. And, walking through the door and coming face to face with Brown Bear brought back all those fond childhood memories.
As the docent read Brown Bear and ushered the children into the Playful World of Eric Carle with games, I couldn’t help gushing over my love for the same books with my daughter.
It might sound like a bit of an exaggeration, but the exhibition brings generations together in shared cherished memories.
For older kids and grown-ups, getting an insight into the life of Eric Carle and how he created his art is an interesting aspect that I, for one, never paid attention to as a child.
For the kids, walking through the days of the week just like The Hungry Caterpillar, helping The Very Busy Spider build his web, discovering sounds with The Very Quiet Cricket, getting creative in their arts and crafts station, and finally, ending the exhibition mesmerized by the 10 Little Rubber Ducks is an incredibly fun and unforgettable experience that brings their favorite books to life.
The Playful World of Eric Carle exhibition officially opens today and will be at UCCA Lab until Oct 16.
To get your tickets, either scan the QR code in advance to purchase your virtual tickets and redeem them in person at the door, or purchase them at the door. We highly recommend purchasing tickets at least 24 hours in advance since Covid restrictions limit the capacity and it would be a shame to get turned away when you’ve got your hopes up for a fun day at the museum.
Price:
RMB 89 for 1 person
RMB 99 for 2 people
RMB 139 for 3 people
*Free for kids under 80cm
Hours:
Open daily from 10am to 7pm. Latest time to enter is 6.30pm.
*No food and no professional recording equipment are allowed inside. Phones and everyday cameras for the cutest pics of you and your kids are definitely allowed and encouraged!
Find it:
UCCA Lab 北京艺术空间
798 Art District, 4 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District
朝阳区酒仙桥路4号798艺术区
Duration: Jul 21-Oct 16
Images: Mina Yan, Kiddy Art Museum
