Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier opens 'I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit'

Saturday, January 17, 2026
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Children's Museum at Navy Pier has a new exhibit based off a beloved artist focused on nature.

The museum celebrated the opening of its new Charley Harper exhibit, focused on celebrating his renowned art with a focus on interactivity for kids.



It's called "I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit."

Harper is known for his modernist works of art centered on nature and wildlife.



The exhibit weaves together his passion for the outdoors, with different hands-on activities for children of all ages.

Kids can create their own natural soundscapes with a musical machine of different bird calls, play hide-and-seek and experience multi-sensory interpretations of Harper's iconic photos representing different habitats.

Parents said their kids are having a ball.

"Yea, it's awesome. It's a really good time," Arlington Heights resident Kevin Baynes said. "The exhibit is really cool. It's great because we have a 1-year-old and a 3-year-old, so it's kind of nice for both."

"I AM WILD: A Charley Harper Exhibit" is at the Children's Museum through May 10, so there is plenty of time to stop by with the family to explore.



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