Exhibition: The Tiger Who Came To Tea at York Castle Museum

Have you ever wondered how Sophie and her mummy felt coming face-to-face with a giant, stripy tiger?

Well now you can!

York Castle Museum has a new interactive exhibition about Judith Kerr’s beloved picture book, which is available to visit until 6 November 2022.

It has been curated by Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children’s Books, in Newcastle, of which I am a huge fan, along with the National Trust.

It’s small but perfectly formed with four different rooms that immerse children in scenes from the story and unleash their creativity.

I took the three-year-old as soon as it opened and our favourite area was the kitchen complete with toy stove, play food and a bright yellow table where a very large and hungry tiger was waiting to be fed!

There were also tiger costumes to put on but, as inevitably happens in these situations, my child did not want to cooperate initially and I was the one walking round with a tiger suit on my head.

Another room is set up like the café where Sophie and her parents go for supper after their furry visitor eats everything in the cupboards and drinks all the water in the tap.

Each table is set up with colouring equipment and lots of different sheets for children to make their own creations themed on the story.

Other areas include an activity space where Hoglets Theatre is running sessions you can sign up to join in with, plus a chill out space with sofas and a selection of Judith Kerr books and jigsaws.

The main corridor has copies of the original artwork from the 54-year-old book, along with a display of children’s creations and some tiger footprints on the floor.

I think the little brother liked jumping along those best!

The exhibition is free to visit as part of your entry to York Castle Museum.

I hadn’t been since Bookworm One was a toddler and still have flashbacks of how stressful it was, but this time I was pleasantly surprised.

There’s a range of areas to suit all interests, from the First World War and the prison section in the old cellars (which were indeed a real prison) to Toy Stories and the Shaping the Body fashion and food area.

Kids will love Kirkgate, the Victorian street, and we had great fun with the old fashioned fairground games in the yard.

It’s also a bargain, as tickets include return visits for 12 months, with no charge for York resident children and all under-fives.

Which means that unlike the infamous tiger, you can go to tea again – as many times as you like.

The Tiger Who Came To Tea at York Castle Museum runs until 6 November 2022. Entry is included in the general admission price: £14 for adults, £7 for children aged 5-16 (free for York children). No charge for under 5s. Discounts for booking online in advance. Tickets are valid for return entry for 12 months. Find out more at yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

Read more…
Why we love The Tiger Who Came To Tea
Days out: Seven Stories in Newcastle
Shows: The Tiger Who Came To Tea Live