Press

PRESS RELEASE: Children’s Museum of Manhattan Announces Opening of “The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop”

09/12/2012

From a Grinchy Green Halloween to Christmas and New Year’s in Who-Ville, Families Learn Together and Discover Ways to Give Back NEW YORK, NY – Join Cindy-Lou Who, the lovable dog Max and the “Mean One” himself, The Grinch, atthe Children’s Museum of Manhattan (CMOM) for a new interactive experience, The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop, inspired byDr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! In partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and supported by Accenture and Hewlett-Packard, The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop opens October 20th and runs through January 6, 2013.

To step into The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop is to walk into the pages of Dr. Seuss’s classic holiday tale. Gallery walls, wrapped in scenes from Dr. Seuss’How The Grinch Stole Christmas! pop with Who-holiday spirit. See Cindy-Lou Who at the Who-ville holiday feast, where the transformed Grinch carves the “roast beast.” Activity areas buzz with laughter and creative energy as children take part in CMOM’s Grinch-related holiday programming. At the center of it all is old “Grinch Claus” and his oversized, interactive sleigh, tethered to his unwitting “Rein-Dog,” Max. Hop in and steer Max all the way to Who-ville!

The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop will host daily and weekly programming: Look for clues in The Workshop to answer scavenger hunt questions; follow the Grinch’s green handprints throughout the Museum to learn about the importance of community and helping others; dive into fun, creative play by creating Dr. Seuss “rhyming hats,” two-sided Grinch masks and Max “the Rein-Dog” tree ornaments; create wacky, Seussian words with Who-ville Mad Libs; and gather around the Grinch’s whimsical, oversized reading chair for storytelling with CMOM staff and special guests who will read How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and other classic books by Dr. Seuss.

“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a beloved holiday classic that children and their families enjoy together year after year. The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop brings the story and characters of Who-ville to life,” said Andrew Ackerman, Executive Director of CMOM. “Dr. Seuss continues to be a great way for children to develop a love of reading. His work creates an environment where creativity is celebrated and, in the case of the Grinch, helps children learn to give back to those in our communities who might need a little extra attention around the holidays.”

“We are so pleased to partner with CMOM in presenting the story of the Grinch to a new generation of children,” said Susan Brandt, President of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. “The Grinch’s Workshop is fun and interactive and also teaches children the book’s lessons of generosity of spirit and goodwill toward all.”

The Grinch’s Workshop: Monthly Programming:

October
Opening Weekend – October 20 – 21

  • Dr. Seuss’s Who-ville Hats – Create a whimsical Seussian-style hat for a Who-ville character! Which Who are you?
  • Everyone is a Who in Who-ville Who are you? Create a Who-ville character and add it to a community mural of other Who-ville characters holding hands.
  • Rhyming Music Jam & Dr. Seuss Story Time – Listen to readings of   Dr. Seuss favorites, including How the Grinch Stole Christmas!  This special story time includes hands-on music jams, using maracas and drums to introduce concepts of rhythm and rhyme.

October 23 – 31: Who-ville Halloween Hats – Make a hat for Cindy-Lou Who, Max, the Grinch or any Who from Who-ville

Halloween Weekend – October 27-28

  • Halloween in Who-ville!  The Grinch’s Holiday Workshop kicks off with spooktacular programming, including Seussian costume making and creating two-sided (mischievous/happy), Day-Glow Grinch Masks
  • Who-ville Halloween Hats– Create a hat for Cindy-Lou Who, Max, or the Grinch himself!
    • November – December:Art activities based on the Grinch story for children in the pediatric oncology ward at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.
    • November – December:Art activities based on the Grinch story for children in the pediatric oncology ward at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.
    • November – December:Grinch holiday activities for families from Homes for the Homeless who attend weekly programs at CMOM.
    • November – December:Grinch holiday activities for families from Homes for the Homeless who attend weekly programs at CMOM.November

    • November 1 – 4:Who-ville Mad Libs– Add your own Dr. Seuss-inspired characters and wacky verbs from the pages of his books to create Who-ville Mad Libs.  Our favorites will be posted on CMOM’s Facebook page.

    • November 6 – 11: Create Dr. Seuss-inspired “Rhyming Hats”– Use your own Seussian language and create a hat decorated with your favorite words that rhyme!

    • November 13 – 18: Who’s Holiday Feast – Create 3-D clay sculptures of the Who’s Holiday Feast.

    • November 20 – 25: Cindy-Lou Who’s Friendship Pop-Up Cards –Encouraging volunteerism in young children, CMOM leads a variety of card making and gift making workshops. Families will donate their cards to children at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital.

    • November 24:Thanksgiving at a Who Holiday Feastwith The James Beard Foundation and chef Sara Jenkins (Manhattan restaurants Porsena and Porchetta).  This renowned chef engages families in cooking demonstrations – all with a Grinch twist!

    • Nov 27 – Sunday, Dec 2:  “Everyone is a Who in Who-ville” mural – Who are you? Create a Who-ville character and add it to a community mural of other Who-ville characters holding hands.

      December

    • December 4 – 9:Who-ville Flipbook – Create your own flipbook, complete with your own Seuss-inspired characters.

    • December 11 – 16:Create Seuss-inspired “Rhyming Hats”– Use your own Seussian language and create a hat decorated with your favorite words that rhyme!

    • December 18 -21; 23-24: “Max the Rein-Dog” Friendship Ornaments – Create a mini-sculpture ornament of the Grinch’s pet, Max.  These ornaments will to be delivered to homeless shelters.

    • December 22:  Who-ville Christmas tree sculpture – Use Model Magic to create a Christmas tree for the Who-ville community.

    • December 27:  Who’s Holiday Feast with the James Beard Foundation and executive chef and owner of Graffiti, Jehangir Mehta.

    • December 26 – 30: Everyone is aWho in Who-ville Mural Who are you? Create a Who-ville character and add it to the community mural of Who-ville characters holding hands.

    • December 31: Grinch Wish Wand– Create a sparkly, Grinch-inspired wish wand. Wave your wand and make a wish for the New Year!

    • January 2 – 6: Who-ville Mad Libs – Add your own Dr. Seuss-inspired characters and wacky verbs from the pages of his books to create Who-ville Mad Libs.  Our favorites will be posted on CMOM’s Facebook page.
      CMOM Community Celebration Activities:

      CMOM is proud to present Grinch programming for the following special audiences.  (Not open to the public):

      November – December:Special Grinch activities for students attending the Mickey Mantle School, which is devoted to children diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum.

    • November – December:Art activities based on the Grinch story for children in the pediatric oncology ward at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital.
    • November – December: Grinch holiday activities for families from Homes for the Homeless who attend weekly programs at CMOM.
      About Dr. SeussTheodor “Seuss” Geisel is quite simply the most beloved children’s book author of all time. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1984, an Academy Award, three Emmy Awards, three Grammy Awards, and three Caldecott Honors, Geisel wrote and illustrated 44 books for children. Hundreds of millions of copies have found their way into homes and hearts around the world. While Theodor Geisel died on September 24, 1991, Dr. Seuss lives on, inspiring generations of children of all ages to explore the joys of reading. For more information about Dr. Seuss and his works, visit Seussville.com.

      The primary focus of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P. is to protect the integrity of the Dr. Seuss books while expanding beyond books into ancillary areas. This effort is a strategic part of the overall mission to nurture and safeguard the relationship consumers have with Dr. Seuss characters. Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) said he never wanted to license his characters to anyone who would “round out the edges.” That is one of the guiding philosophies of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. Audrey S. Geisel, the widow of Dr. Seuss, heads Dr. Seuss Enterprises as CEO.  Learn more about Dr. Seuss at www.facebook.com/Dr.Seuss.

      About Children’s Museum of Manhattan
      Founded in 1973, the Children’s Museum of Manhattan is New York City’s leading cultural institution dedicated solely to children and families.  CMOM inspires children and their families to learn about themselves and a culturally diverse world through unique interactive exhibitions.  CMOM presents a full range of activities, exhibits and special performances that stimulate children of all ages.  Through multidimensional programs that reach deep into the community, the Museum serves New Yorkers from all backgrounds.  For details on all of CMOM’s programs, please visit www.cmom.org.