Step Into A Colorful World - The Charley Harper Exhibit Opens At The Museum Of Discovery And Science

Through bold colors, playful geometry and hands-on experiences, the limited-time exhibition invites guests to see the natural world through the eyes of renowned American Wildlife Artist Charley Harper. Children and families will explore six distinct habitats, including the desert, rainforest, ocean, sky, woods and city, while discovering the remarkable variety of life found within them and the connections that help ecosystems thrive.

The exhibition will remain at MODS through Monday, January 11th, 2027.

Harper described his distinctive artistic approach as “minimal realism.” Rather than illustrating every feather, scale or blade of grass, he used simple geometric forms, vivid colors and visual humor to capture the essential character of wildlife. Inspired by the children’s book series I Am Wild and Harper’s broader body of work exploring biodiversity, the exhibition turns his art into an immersive experience filled with opportunities to observe, create, listen, move and play.

“Charley Harper had an extraordinary ability to reveal the complexity of nature through deceptively simple images,” said Joseph P. Cox, President and CEO of MODS. “In I AM WILD, children are not simply looking at art. They are stepping inside it, interacting with it and using it as a gateway to scientific discovery. The exhibition encourages families to slow down, notice the relationships within each habitat and understand that every living thing has a role in the larger story of our planet.”

The exhibition is presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and sponsored by Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans. I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit was created by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in partnership with Charley Harper Art Studio.

Hands-on exhibit experiences include:

• The Art Studio, where guests can create original artwork inspired by Harper’s use of geometric shapes, bold colors and minimal realism.

• Interactive Habitat Poster Kiosks, featuring multisensory interpretations of Harper’s iconic habitat posters and the wildlife represented within them.

• The Woodland Ball Run, where children can experiment with motion while playing hide-and-seek among animals and insects found in the woods.

• Canopy Calliope, an interactive musical machine that allows guests to combine bird calls and compose their own nature-inspired soundscapes.

• Be Wild Imagination Habitat, where children can flap, crawl, leap and move like their favorite creatures or invent entirely new ways to “be wild.”

Guests also can view a collection of Harper’s artwork highlighting recurring subjects, artistic techniques and the distinctive visual language he developed throughout his career.

I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit is included with Museum admission and will be open during regular Museum hours: Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m.

For Museum information and tickets, visit: https://mods.org.

About the Museum of Discovery and Science

Opened in 1977 as The Discovery Center, today the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) is at the forefront of science education, innovation and exploration. MODS connects people to inspiring science, providing STEM education and cultural experiences for 450,000+ visitors annually in the 150,000 Square Foot Facility. MODS is a 501 (c)(3) Non-Profit Organization that has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) for three decades. MODS has added to that distinction by being named Broward’s Hub for Resilience Education by the Board of the Community Foundation of Broward, selected by the LEGO Foundation as one of only 21 museums nationwide to join the Playful Learning Museum Network and awarded the prestigious 2023 IMLS National Medal for Museum Service.

The Museum welcomes visitors from all walks of life. The Museum’s hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. MODS is located downtown at 401 Southwest Second Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. For more information about the Museum, please visit: https://mods.org. Or call: (954) 467-MODS. Call: (954) 467-6637.

Like us or follow us on Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/modsftl

X (formerly Twitter): www.x.com/modsftl

Instagram: www.instagram.com/modsftl

About Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh provides innovative and inclusive museum experiences that inspire kindness, joy, creativity and curiosity for all learners. The Museum forges connections with artists, community partners and neighbors to work on behalf of children, youth and families. Permanent hands-on, interactive exhibit areas include The Studio, Garage, Waterplay, Kindness Gallery, Backyard and MAKESHOP. Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $19 for adults and $17 for children ages 2-18 and senior citizens. Children younger than 2 are free. The Museum is located on Pittsburgh’s historic North Side at 10 Children’s Way, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15212. For more information, call: (412) 322-5058. Or visit: https://pittsburghkids.org.

About Charley Harper

Charley Harper (1922-2007) found his love for nature and wildlife as a child growing up on a small farm in West Virginia. He began drawing creatures from his backyard creek in the fourth grade, and this passion eventually led him to Ohio to attend the Art Academy of Cincinnati, where he met his wife and eventual collaborator, Edie, on the first day. Harper spent the majority of his adult life living and working in Cincinnati, creating a vast collection of iconic and treasured works. He left behind a legacy of clever artistry and a deep commitment to conservation.

About Charley Harper Art Studio

Charley Harper Art Studio, founded in 1947 by Charley Harper, is dedicated to preserving and promoting his legacy through a small but passionate team. The studio collaborates with brands and organizations worldwide, showcasing Harper’s iconic work, renowned for its distinctive minimalistic style and vibrant depictions of nature. In reaching diverse audiences, these partnerships support his lifelong commitment to conservation and advance environmental awareness and education initiatives in line with Harper’s vision.

Photo courtesy of Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.