by Noella Noelophile®
(Photo courtesy of Museum of Make Believe, and used with permission.0
What does magic look like?
At Christmastime, especially?
At The Museum of Make Believe, in Laguna Beach, that question has a wide variety of answers.
“Throughout the museum, you’ll find golden lanterns,” emails Museum Co-Founder Amy Mitchell.
Each of these, she explains, is a miniature world, created by the museum’s Creative Director, Geoff Mitchell.
(Photo courtesy of Museum of Make Believe, and used withpermission._
A look inside reveals enchanting scenes: snow-covered lanterns, vintage toys and teddy bears, and a bluebird perched atop frosted pine cones.
The magic doesn’t end there.
A spider on the tree
(Photo courtesy of Museum of Make Believe, and used with permission.)
Upon arrival, guests get to admire the “Tree of Make Believe”, with its twinkling lights and whimsical ornaments. And be sure to look for a spider! That would be Spright, the Storytelling Spider, which Amy and Geoff introduced to their garden during the Halloween season.
As a husband-and-wife creative team, Amy and Geoff are celebrating their first Christmas in their new physical space. As mentioned in my earlier post, after four years of fundraising, the Museum of Make Believe had its grand opening this summer.
Amy, who describes herself and Geoff as “lifelong Christmas enthusiasts”, says the tree has special significance.
“The ‘Tree of Make Believe’ was the very first thing we built in our cozy 1,000-square-foot immersive storybook forest,” she says, “and it represents the spirit of our full-scale vision, which we are working hard to bring to life through ongoing fundraising.”
More than simply “looking”
(Photo courtesy of Museum of Make Believe, and used with permission.)
That full-scale vision is the dream of making art accessible to all, by creating an enchanted space geared towards storytelling imagination, and hands-on activities.
Visitors to the Museum of Make Believe can stop at the gift shop and take home their own “Spright”, to craft and enjoy. The museum offers a “Treasure Hunt Experience” for “kids” of all ages–including us taller ones! Amy explains that they have a photo scavenger hunt, with a simpler version for children just learning to read. where the children search for colors at each location. Meanwhile, we “big kids” can look for clues to spell out a magical word. There is a “bonus question”, and for everyone who completes the experience, there are prizes!
(Royalty-free image by cromacita from Pixabay.)
There’s also a “VIP Stardust Experience” available (which strikes me as a great gift to give someone!). Entry to the exhibit, a golden dragon’s egg from the prize machine, and a collectible Ghost Stories & Fairy Tales book to take home are included in the package.
“We had so much fun transforming our exhibit with holiday decor this year,” Amy says, describing herself and Geoff as “lifelong Christmas enthusiasts”.
“Geoff even wrote and composed an entirely new soundtrack fo the holiday season, and I know he had a wonderful time writing it.”
Christmas, continued
(Photo courtesy of Museum of Make Believe, and used with permission.)
And when Christmas Day is past–the festivities aren’t. The decorations stay up until Twelfth Night–January 6th!
“My father, who has been a part of many of our virtual holiday shows, celebrates his birthday on January 6th,” Amy says.
“Because of this, we’ve always continued our celebrations through Twelfth Night, and this year, we’ll be keeping our decor up until the very last day!”
Like to visit? They’re decorated for Christmas and open this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, December 27th through 29th, from 11 am to 7 pm, and then from Thursday through Sunday, January 2nd through 5th, from 11 am to 7 pm.
Community–and “u”
(Royalty-free image by Hishametto from Pixabay.)
Perhaps the most magical part of all of this? The effect The Museum of Make Believe is having on the community.
“…None of this would be possible without the incredible support we have received!” Amy writes.
“In the seven months since opening, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming diverse groups–senior citizens, special needs adults, Girl Scout troops, homeschool students and more. Each visit has been an opportunity to share our imaginative world with people of all ages, and one of the most heartwarming comments we’ve received was, ‘his is what was missing in my live, and I didn’t even know how much I needed it.'”
“That’s exactly what we hope to create: a place of magic, respite, imagination that brings people together.”
(Graphic courtesy of Museum of Make Believe, and used with permission.)
Now, how would you like to help? There are several ways you can!
Currently, the Museum is having an end-of-year fundraiser. If you’d like to donate to help them grow, here’s the link.
In addition, come see them! “Visit our ‘Ghost Stories and Fairy Tales’ exhibit,” Amy encourages.
“…Our exhibit is run entirely by volunteers so that every ticket helps us grow!”
And, if you love the museum, be sure to tell your friends and family.
“Share the magic,” Amy says. “We can’t wait to welcome you into our world of make believe.”