The Pigeon Comes to Reading! The Mo Willems Exhibit
September 20, 2025 – January 4, 2026

Co-organized by Children's Museum of Pittsburgh and The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, the exhibit is inspired by the art and characters of the beloved children’s book author and illustrator, Mo Willems.

Many familiar characters will be featured, including the best friend duo Elephant and Piggie, faithful companion Knuffle Bunny, and The Pigeon, the wily city bird best known for his antics in Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!

Activities will give visitors the opportunity to make art that is inspired by Mo Willems and to learn about the rich social and emotional lives of the author’s characters. The exhibit will also feature prints of illustrations, including sketches and other preliminary materials, by Mo Willems.

In this play-and-learn exhibit, visitors can:

• • Have a hilarious conversation in the voices of Elephant Gerald and Piggie at a double-sided phone booth.
• • Make Elephant and Piggie dance with old-time animation. 
• • Put on a wearable bus and take a drive around the exhibit.
• • Spin the laundromat washing machine and uncover Knuffle Bunny and other surprises!
• • Dress up Naked Mole Rat and send him down the runway for a one-of-a-kind fashion show.
• • Stack lightweight blocks to create their own terrible monster or funny friend.
• • Launch foam hot dogs at The Pigeon and play the plinko game to give the Duckling a cookie.
• • Learn to draw just like Mo Willems. The exhibit includes an Art Studio, where you can sketch his characters—or make up your own—at large drawing tables. Light tables let you practice tracing your favorite characters. Simple shapes can be       assembled to create such expressive characters! Add color and take home your artwork or add it to the display.