When visitors enter Rabbit hOle, an immersive museum dedicated to children’s literature, they don’t simply walk through a set of double doors—they descend into an underground tunnel bathed in a warm blue glow. This tunnel winds through walls covered in a web of words and letters, building anticipation as visitors emerge in a magical world where picture books come to life.
One of the first exhibits to greet visitors—and the one we were most excited to see—features Madeline. The museum re-creates the iconic scene where the spirited young girl walks confidently across the bridge’s ledge while her classmates follow in a perfectly behaved line, much to Ms. Clavel’s dismay. A favorite from my own childhood, Madeline has become just as beloved by my daughters. Naturally, we wore our costumes inspired by Madeline for this literary adventure and were thrilled to see her brought to life right at the start.
From there, we explored exhibits that turned more classic stories into interactive experiences. We walked through the charming village of Calabria from Strega Nona, admired the colorful caps and mischievous monkeys from Caps for Sale, and marveled at a town of miniatures showcasing Curious George and his delightful escapades. My daughters especially enjoyed crawling through tunnels, peeking through holes in the walls like rabbits, and engaging with puppets, slides, and even a ride-on bus placed throughout the museum.
One particularly magical moment was stepping into a larger-than-life version of Goodnight Moon, where the famous green room felt so real that it seemed we had stepped directly into the story. My youngest daughter excitedly pointed out the cow jumping over the moon, while my older daughter gleefully recited lines from the book. Moments like these made it clear just how much thought and care went into every exhibit.
As the first museum of its kind in the United States, Rabbit hOle celebrates over a century of children’s literature with an immersive experience that captivates both adults and children. Spanning three floors of exhibits, the museum invites guests to spend about two hours exploring memorable stories brought to life. To round out the experience, Rabbit hOle features a bookstore and café, perfect for picking up a new story or enjoying a snack after your adventure. Memberships, daily tickets, educational programs, and story hours are also available, ensuring every visit offers something special for both newcomers and return visitors.
Allie Cole is a former teacher turned stay-home-mom and children’s book lover. She is passionate about providing quality educational opportunities for her children that will enrich their lives.