Harry Potter leads cast of children’s favourites
Five world famous children’s stories and characters are the subject of a special exhibition currently running at Zurich’s Bärengasse museum.
The exhibits follow the development of children’s media from the early 18th century to the present from books and music to PlayStation games.
“We chose a number of figures through three centuries dating from Robinson Crusoe to Harry Potter,” explained Hans Peter Treichler who was responsible for the audio-visual section of the “Playrooms” exhibition.
“I think visitors don’t realise that children’s stories are such an old thing. People tend to think that the story of Robinson Crusoe was perhaps written or told 100 years ago.”
“In fact, the story has a tradition of over 300 years,” said Treichler.
One of the highlights of the exhibition is a 3-D show, displaying images from Robinson Crusoe, Alice in Wonderland and Pinocchio.
Alice in Wonderland
The exhibition also features an audiovisual history tour with sculptures of the various characters created by artist Imre Mesterhàzy, as well as dramatised readings of Alice in Wonderland.
The five characters featured – Robinson Crusoe, Pinocchio, Alice in Wonderland, Pippi Longstocking and Harry Potter – are all from children’s stories enjoyed by readers of all age groups.
Treichler says he chose his exhibits to appeal to adults as well as children.
“Every really good children’s book is a good piece of literature and will find its readers throughout the age range.”
The interactive exhibition will stay at the Bärengasse museum until October 5.
swissinfo, Daniela Silberstein
The “Playrooms” exhibition looks at children’s media from the 18th century to the present day.
It focuses on five children’s favourites: Robinson Crusoe, Alice in Wonderland, Pinocchio, Pippi Longstocking and Harry Potter.
Exhibits range from books to tin soldiers, Lego and PlayStation games.
The exhibition at the Bärengasse museum runs until October 5.
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