Experience the whimsical world of Winnie-the-Pooh at the ROM
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Press Release
Playful, family-friendly exhibition Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic opens at the ROM March 7
TORONTO, February 27, 2020 – Fans of all ages will soon be able to immerse themselves in the wonderful and whimsical world of Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic, opening exclusively in Canada at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) on Saturday, March 7 and on view until August 3, 2020.
Visitors are invited to see the world—and the ROM—through Pooh’s eyes: a place to ponder, wonder and find joy in simple pleasures. Organized by the Victoria and Albert Museum, London (V&A), Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic examines the origins, creation and enduring legacy of the classic stories by A.A. Milne (1882–1956) and the heart-warming illustrations of E.H. Shepard (1879–1976). The ROM’s presentation also explores Pooh’s fascinating Canadian connection, which in part inspired the iconic character’s rise to fame.
“We are delighted to present Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic at the ROM, showcasing the playful side of art, culture and nature," says Josh Basseches, ROM Director & CEO. "This exhibition will not only capture the imaginations of our young visitors but will enchant entire generations of families who grew up with Winnie-the-Pooh and his friends.”
More than 200 works in the exhibition span over 100 years of Winnie-the-Pooh history, from 1914 to the present. The objects include original illustrations, letters and proofs along with early editions, photographs, cartoons, ceramics and fashion—all featuring the much-loved bear and his friends: Christopher Robin, Eeyore, Kanga, Roo, Owl, Piglet, Rabbit and Tigger.
“This exhibition is designed for children of all ages to enjoy–with interactive games, reading nooks, and even a slide–while bringing us all back to days where we could bask in the sun, visit with neighbours, and let the day slip away,” adds Justin Jennings, the ROM’s Presenting Curator of the exhibition. “In many ways a primer for a life well-lived, Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic takes us to place where we can all feel special, listened to and loved.”
The world of Pooh is brought to life as an immersive story book in six chapters, offering multi-sensory experiences that encourage play and creativity. A “Family Trail” takes visitors through winding hallways and passageways, including the childhood bedroom of Christopher Robin and the fictional “100 Aker Woods.” Kids can also play “Poohsticks” and listen to the only known audio of author A.A Milne reading Pooh stories. Meanwhile, adults can appreciate early conceptual sketches and real-life stories of this very popular bear.
In a special section of the exhibition dedicated to the Canadian story, visitors will learn about the young female black bear named Winnie that traveled with her companion, Lieutenant Harry Colebourn, from the forests of Ontario to England in 1914, eventually becoming part of the inspiration for Milne’s books and poems.
“Ontario offers the world in one province and I am proud that the Royal Ontario Museum will welcome the country as the sole Canadian host of the Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic exhibition,” said Lisa MacLeod, Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries. “I encourage everyone to visit the ROM and learn how Pooh grew from his humble Canadian origins to be one of the most beloved characters of all time.”
The Winnie-the-Pooh collection is primarily drawn from the V&A, The Walt Disney Company, Egmont Publishing, The Shepard Trust, and The University of Surrey.
As the exclusive Canadian venue for Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic, this is the last chance to see this exhibition on its worldwide tour.
The Museum is also offering Sensory Friendly hours on select Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., with the first event scheduled on March 28.
A series of engaging Winnie-the-Pooh themed programmes have been scheduled throughout the exhibition’s run, including:
ROM Connects: Building the Exhibition
Sunday, March 8, 2020; 2 to 3 p.m.
Join Julius Bryant, Keeper of Word and Image at the Victoria & Albert Museum, as he explores the making of the ROM's newest special exhibition. From collections to concept and international travel, discover the incredible work that has gone into sharing the story of one of the world's most beloved bears in Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic. Free with RSVP.
Saturday, March 14–Sunday, March 22, 2020; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Winnie-the-Pooh, Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Bloodsuckers: Legends to Leeches inspired the “nature” theme of this year’s March Break activities at the ROM. The Museum’s Bronfman Hall will feature Pooh’s Hundred Acre Wood, Pooh-themed activities, ROM experts presenting live specimens and ROM teachers leading story time with books and stories inspired by art, culture and nature.
Friday, March 27, 2020; 7 to 11:30 p.m.
ROM After Dark (RAD) is an exciting new after-hours event where art, culture, and nature collide for a curated evening of music, visual arts, immersive activities and curated gastronomical experiences. On March 27, the Museum celebrates the world’s most famous bear with Woodland, a Winnie-the-Pooh-themed evening that invites visitors to explore Pooh’s world with a “RAD” twist.
Thursday, May 7, 2020; 11 a.m.
Join ROM Senior Curator Justin Jennings for a talk that explores Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic through a Canadian lens, with author Lindsay Mattick, great grand-daughter of the real Winnie's companion, Lieutenant Harry Colebourn. Free with RSVP.
ROM Members will enjoy an exclusive preview of the exhibition March 6 to 7, 2020 and free admission to the exhibition during its run at the ROM. For more information on ROM Memberships, visit rom.on.ca/members or call 416.586.5700.
Winnie-the-Pooh: Exploring a Classic is a separately ticketed exhibition. See rom.on.ca for admission hours and pricing.
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ROM Media Contact
Josslyn Johnstone
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ABOUT THE ROM
Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum showcases art, culture and nature from around the world and across the ages. Among the top 10 cultural institutions in North America, Canada’s largest and most comprehensive museum is home to a world-class collection of 13 million art objects and natural history specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. As the country’s preeminent field research institute and an international leader in new and original findings, the ROM plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of the artistic, cultural and natural world. Combining its original heritage architecture with the contemporary Daniel Libeskind-designed Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, the ROM serves as a national landmark, and a dynamic cultural destination in the heart of Toronto for all to enjoy.
