Sesame Street Exhibit to Open at the New York Public Library

As Sesame Street begins its 45th season, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and Sesame Workshop invite fans of all ages to take a closer look at the show's legacy, artistry, and beloved characters at the new free multimedia exhibition Somebody Come and Play: 45 Years of Sesame Street Helping Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder. The exhibition will be on display in Sept. 18-Jan. 31, 2015.  

When Sesame Street debuted in 1969, its combination of research and entertainment revolutionized children's television. Today, Sesame Street is a pop culture icon and still teaching literacy and numeracy, emotional and physical well-being, and respect and understanding to children around the world. As Sesame Street begins its 45th season, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and Sesame Workshop invite fans of all ages to take a closer look at the show's legacy, artistry, and beloved characters at the new free multimedia exhibition Somebody Come and Play: 45 Years of Sesame Street Helping Kids Grow Smarter, Stronger, and Kinder. The exhibition will be on display in The Library for the Performing Arts' Donald and Mary Oenslager Gallery from Sept. 18 through Jan. 31, 2015.   

Somebody Come and Play features more than 250 items, including more than 20 Muppets, on display from the Library and Sesame Workshop's collections. Blueprints and set designs show how New York City inspired the show's iconic set, while original sketches (many on display for the first time) of characters such as Elmo show how Muppets are designed, built, and brought to life. The center section of the exhibition is dedicated to the many creative talents that contribute to Sesame Street—composers, animators, writers, actors, directors, producers, puppeteers, and designers—and details how the show establishes a curriculum and ensures that each segment is educational. Animation cels, storyboards, and claymation models demonstrate the process of producing the animated segments that have been a staple of the show since it debuted. Visitors will also learn how Sesame Street's mission to reach and teach goes far beyond the television through outreach efforts and international co-productions. The exhibition gives visitors a chance to learn about Sesame Street's past, present, and future, and understand the show's creative process.  

Young Sesame Street fans will enjoy artifacts and materials positioned at lower heights, as well as an interactive area for children within the exhibition, featuring Sesame Street books, apps, and activities. The Library for the Performing Arts will also open early on select Wednesdays throughout the duration of the exhibition for special children's storytelling events led by retired NYPL children's librarians. Additionally, select NYPL branches will offer a variety of read-aloud, crafting, and film screening programs utilizing Sesame Street's "Every Day is a Reading and Writing Day" literacy curriculum.