CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Walk through the 25,000 square foot space off Michigan Avenue, and you might run into the Lorax, frolic through the Truffula trees, explore a field of pink clover, ride a carousel, or even meet the Cat in the Hat himself!
"It's a huge space of immersion into nine books of Dr. Seuss, his most popular books from being a kid," said Jonathon Sanford, COO, Kilburn Live, an Los Angeles based media entertainment company.
"You will go into each of the books, you will meet the characters, you'll get to experience things, you'll be able to play in the world. It's not just a photo opp, there's things to do in this place."
Sanford said the former Macy's space is perfect location for the world of Dr. Seuss.
"We're really, really happy to be in Chicago, specifically to be at Water Tower Place on the Mag Mile during the holidays, because it's magical. There aren't many places like this spot," he said.
“The Dr. Seuss Experience” takes fans on a sensory-filled and colorful journey through the lens of the iconic writer and poet.
Patrons will be welcomed with an inter-connected maze, filled with thousands of suspended balloons representing different Dr. Seuss stories, inspired by the author’s second best-selling book of all-time: "Oh The Places You’ll Go!"
There's a room full of colorful Truffula trees inspired by "The Lorax," a room inspired by the "How The Grinch Stole Christmas," a carousel from "Circus McGurkus" and "The Cat in the Hat" room where patrons can interact with the character himself - a hidden camera and microphone where staff can talk with visitors.
"The cat will even say 'cheese' when you take a picture. People are super surprised when the cat talks to them," laughed Sanford.
He said these days, after a year and a half of a pandemic, people want experiences, not stuff.
"There's a lot of competition for the entertainment dollar these days. It's important that when they come to one of thee experiences, there's either a story involved, or there's something they can do, some experience they can take away from. Here you can discover. You can move the books on the shelf. There's things to do in every room. It's not just an Instagram moment. There's so much more to it," Sanford said. "How many more sweaters do you really want? People want experiences and memories."
Each room brings Dr. Seuss' books to life and stimulates all the senses.
"The designs like the clovers from "Horton Hears a Who," are incredible. They really pop. We told our designers, 'here's the task, you need to take a two-dimensional thing that doesn't exist and make it real, make it something you can get lost in.' The colors are right on. It's great," he said.
Dr. Seuss was the pen name of the late Theodor Seuss Geisel, a children's author who entertained kids across the globe with his illustrated tales filled with mischief, fun, and adventure.
Sanford said the company realized that the Dr. Seuss brand was something all generations love.
"It' going to take you back to the stories you heard when you were a child. If you're a parent, the stories that you are reading to your kids right now. It's fun, it's whimsical, it's light hearted. I think we could all use a bit of warmth and light heartedness right now," he said.
The space will also feature a new exhibit of new optical illusions and an original work by School of the Art Institute alum Michael Murphy.
Tickets for “The Dr. Seuss Experience” range from $26-$59 for general admission. Crowd size is capped at 200 per hour, and once inside patrons can stay for as long as they want.
The exhibit in Chicago follows two sold out runs in Toronto and Houston. The Dr. Seuss Experience runs through Jan. 2.
"It's just magical. Magical at the holidays. You are only a kid once. Get that warm fuzzy feeling and those memories that are going to last forever," Sanford said.
Related
