February 16 – April 30, 2023
Experience the nostalgia of Little Golden Books with over sixty masterpieces of original illustrations from the Random House archives. Featured in the exhibition are pieces from beloved picture-book classics like The Poky Little Puppy, Tootle, Home for a Bunny, The Color Kittens, I Can Fly, and many more!
Golden Books History
Launched in 1942—the first full year of America’s involvement in the Second World War—Little Golden Books made high quality illustrated books available at affordable prices for the first time to millions of young children and their parents. Among the artists who contributed to the ambitious series were greats of the European émigré community (including Garth Williams, Feodor Rojankovsky, and Tibor Gergely) who had gathered in New York as the European situation worsened; alumni of the Walt Disney Studios (including Gustaf Tenggren, Martin Provensen, J. P. Miller, and Mary Blair); and such American originals as Leonard Weisgard, Eloise Wilkin, Elizabeth Orton Jones, Richard Scarry, and Hilary Knight.
Exhibition Events & Programming:
Opening Reception – Bring the whole family!
Thursday, February 16 | 5 PM
This is a free and family-friendly reception with a Golden Books themed art activity and story time with MMA Docents.
Story Time in the Gallery with Hackley Public Library
Thursday, February 23 | 4-5 PM – Cancelled Due To Weather
Thursday, March 2 | 4-5 PM – New Date
Thursday, March 23 | 4-5 PM
Thursday, April 27 | 4-5 PM
Join the Muskegon Museum of Art in welcoming Hackley Public Library’s story time in our new exhibition, Golden Legacy: 80 Years of Original Artwork from Golden Books! Explore the original illustrations from some of your favorite Golden Books, listen to stories, sing songs, and groove to movement activities! Intended for ages 0-5, in-person story time is designed to teach early literacy skills to parents and caregivers while children enjoy a fun, interactive atmosphere.
Family Night: PJ Party at the Museum
Join us during spring break for a artful fun-filled night with the whole family!
Thursday, April 6 | 4-7:30 PM
This spring break, wear your favorite pajamas and hangout as a family at the MMA with our hands-on art activity in the classroom, interactive seek-and-find throughout the galleries, listening to stories in the Golden Books exhibition with Hackley Public Library staff, and finish off the night enjoying snacks and watching a family friendly film in the auditorium!
4-6 PM – Art Activity + Museum Seek & Find
5:15 PM – Story Time
6-7:30 PM – Popcorn & Movie
Free & Open to the Public
Advanced Registration Requested – Click Here to Register.
Underwritten by:
Saturday, April 8 | 11 AM – 2 PM
Enjoy free admission into the museum, visit the Golden Legacy: 80 Years of Original Art from Golden Books exhibition, and make your own book on Super Saturday in April!
Exhibition Highlights:
- The Great Big Engine, Tibor Gergely
- Baby Animals, Garth Williams
- The Three Bears, Feodor Rojankovsky
- The Little Red Hen, J.P. Miller
- Little Red Riding Hood, Elizabeth Orton Jones
Golden Legacy: 80 Years of Original Artwork from Golden Books is underwritten by DTE Energy, Mike & Kay Olthoff, & the David & Carol Folkert Family Fund of the Community Foundation for Muskegon County.
This exhibition was organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Abilene, Texas