PORCH
At the porch, you are greeted with a taped message from Mister Rogers welcoming you to his home. He also explains that it's ok to come in and play even though he's not home. This area features a porch swing and a peekaboo window.
ENTRY/CLOSET
Once you travel through the door, the obvious first stop will be at the closet. You can try on his sweater and sneakers. Take a peek in the television and see what you look like dressed as Mister Rogers. Nearby, you can play with magnetic growth markers. At the bench, you can try on many different pairs of shoes. Artifacts from the show (sweater and sneakers) will be on display here, as well.
TROLLEY BENCH
Here, you can move the Neighborhood Trolley back and forth and ring its bell. You can look into the trolley tunnel and as if you're looking through a telescope the wrong way–see its ultimate destination-–the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.
PICTURE PICTURE
At Picture Picture, you can take a look at three real products, then flip a nearby switch to activate the video explaining how the product was made. A fourth video shows how the exhibit was assembled.
SOFA / MUSIC AREA
FISH TANK - live goldfish and magnifying lenses on the fish tank table for visitors to use for inspecting the fish and all that is within.
SONG BOOKS - Read along or make your own songs.
TELEPHONE - Talk to your friends in Mister Rogers' kitchen.
BUILDING MUSIC - Make a recorded song sound differently, just like real music producers. A recorded song sung by Mister Rogers has a three-piece instrumental accompaniment. Each track’s volume can be adjusted using slider potentiometers.
PLAYER PIANO - Hear famous Mister Rogers songs, while playing and singing along.
TRAFFIC LIGHT - You can make the lights change.
KITCHEN ACTIVITY TABLE - This is where all ongoing and constantly changing art/craft/food activities take place. These activities are led by Museum staff. The activities are taken from the Mister Rogers Plan and Play Book.
WATER PIPE construction. Special thanks to San Francisco Michael Brown.
REFRIGERATOR - Fun with magnets. Play with a variety of magnets and magnetic games and puzzles.
BIG TROLLEY
Climb aboard the Neighborhood Trolley (front half). It sways ever so slightly. As you pull the levers you and your passengers end up in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Trolley is a great place for adults and infants to rest. Placards inside Trolley discuss Mister Rogers' Neighborhood history.
CASTLE
Step into King Friday XIII's castle. You can dress up like the King, Queen Sara or Prince Tuesday or use the puppets from the program to put on a show for your family and friends. Don’t forget to cue the trumpets for the big entrance. A television camera and monitor project all the action. The ABC rooms open to reveal miniature worlds. Bring your own videotape (or buy one in our store) to record your performance.
THE TREE
X the Owl and Henrietta Pussycat's home is a multi-level collection of miniature dioramas embedded within the tree. You can create your own setting with moveable furniture, adjustable lighting and more.
DANIEL'S CLOCK
Climb into Daniel Striped Tiger’s grandfather clock. It's a snug fit, but it feels safe. Read stories or enjoy quiet time. A button activates the recording of Daniel singing "Peace and Quiet" with the question, "Have you hugged someone you love today?" Check out what's inside of Daniel's imaginary clock.
MUSEUM-GO-ROUND
Lady Elaine Fairchilde's Museum-Go-Round is where you would expect to find the most unusual things. A large mirrored zoetrope uses flexible wires to animate a scene as you spin the zoetrope as quickly as you can. Make your own songs at Kerplunk. Place wooden balls on a cupped conveyor belt. Crank Kerplunk until the balls drop onto a xylophone-like instrument. Lean into the large pin screen and make an imprint of your entire body.
RESOURCE ROOM
This area includes:
A video disc system containing a collection of Mister Rogers' favorite moments from his shows, including operas, moments with children and neighbors. Books, pamphlets and periodicals about early childhood issues; Mister Rogers' resource information.
