Description: Although the Pittsburgh Children’s Museum features many exhibits, the highlight for my family was the Sesame Street exhibit, running now through June 1, 2003.
"Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street" contains many displays that both children and adults will love. One such display is a replica of the original set. Children can stand on the steps of 123 Sesame Street and see themselves on monitors. In this way, they feel like they are actually part of the show. Many of the displays have a year posted on them and recall what was going on in the world for that year. This starts with 1969 and goes to the present, representing each year the show has been on the air.
One display has a monitor with the first episode running continuously. Another display has a map of the world with buttons for the countries where Sesame Street is on the air. When you press a particular button, you will see that countries version of Sesame Street on a monitor. Of particular interest to children is a realistic pay phone where you can press a number and your child can hear a message from that particular Sesame Street character. There are also computers with Sesame Street games, a Big Bird’s nest that kids can crawl into and read stories in, and a table where kids can color.
We especially enjoyed a booth where kids can appear on a monitor with Elmo, Rosita, or the Count. It looks as if your child is right there with the character and is in on the act. Unfortunately, we did not have a videotape with us. If you take one with you, you can make a recording. My husband and I also enjoyed a display case with a sampling of all the Sesame Street toys and products made over the past thirty plus years. It was like a trip down memory lane for us.
One of the highlights of the Children’s Museum itself is the Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood of Make Believe replica. This display features the puppets from the television show, which sing and talk. Unfortunately, to my daughter’s disappointment, there was no trolley.
Other highlights of the Children’s Museum are two craft areas, where children can make collages, paint, finger paint, and color. Also, an area where kids can try puppets, and a baby area, with toys and books with are appropriate for kids under three.
Food is available in a small snack bar area of the main building. There are two small gift shops, selling Sesame Street and Mr. Roger’s toys and memorabilia, among other things.
Children under two are free. Without the AAA discount, tickets are $4.50/person (two and over.) There is a small parking lot next to the museum, where parking is available for $4. Some metered parking is also available nearby. The Pittsburgh Children’s Museum is definitely worth going to for the Sesame Street exhibit alone.
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