Wizard of Oz exhibit will visit Kalamazoo Valley Museum

Paul VanHevel
Western Herald

On June 18^th, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum will pay homage to L. Frank Baum’s novel by bringing The Wonderful Wizard of Oz to Kalamazoo.

According to a press release, children ages two through 12 years of age are encouraged to participate in the 1,500 ft. interactive exhibit. Similar to Dorothy’s journey down the yellow brick road, children will begin their expedition on a farm and will be schooled in the 20^th century ways of life.

From here, children will be swept away down tornado alley and learn about the science behind nature’s most malicious disasters.  Upon entering the next room, children will be thrown into the fantastical world of Oz where they can help the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion overcome adversity while simultaneously becoming more aware of themselves by putting to practice the characteristics that will inevitably take root in the journey of life.

To celebrate the coming of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum will be showing the original version of the movie on June 18^th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stryker Theater.  For as little as $3, all ages are encouraged to relive the first American fairy tale.

According to a press release, the Great Explorations Children’s Museum is responsible for bringing this exciting exhibit to Kalamazoo.  Bruce Barry’s Wacky World Studios has regulated development and played a part in designing the exhibit with the financial support of the Institute of Museum and Library services.  It seems none of this would have been made possible without the Wizard of Oz enthusiasts and the consent of L. Frank Baum Family Trust.

These individuals and institutions are valued educational commodities, and they deserve recognition for their efforts in aiding children to grow into young adults, as these children progress on the sometimes shaky and often wavering road towards the wicked witch of the west.

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum’s Wizard of Oz exhibit may draw a crowd that would also find pleasure in taking part in the museum’s interactive planetarium.  Intense visual effects in addition to a state of the art sound system will leave the viewer in awe, making the experience more realistic.

In the coming weeks, the Kalamazoo Valley Museum will provide the individual with a chance to actively experience realities that would otherwise be deemed impossible.

The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is located on 230 North Rose St. in downtown Kalamazoo. Admissions for most exhibits are free, although donations are graciously accepted in order to continue bringing new and entertaining remnants of history to Kalamazoo.

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