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New Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center to Open August 17, 2002 in Santa Rosa California
New York, NY - August, 2002 -- We all know the players in Peanuts: Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Sally, Woodstock, and Peppermint Patty...
And most of us know that Charles M. Schulz was the mastermind behind more than 52 years of Peanuts comic strips. Affectionately known as "Sparky," Schulz passed away on February 12, 2000. However, his legacy lives on - not just in the re-runs of his popular comic strip in newspapers all over the world, the television specials and the vast array of Peanuts-themed merchandise - but also in the soon-to-be open Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa California.
The new museum, which is dedicated to preserving the art and legacy of the popular cartoon artist and sharing his story with future visitors, is slated to open to the public on August 17, 2002. Located in Santa Rosa, California, the Museum is near Schulz's Studio and across the street from the Ice Arena (Snoopy's Home Ice), the two places where Sparky spent most of his time for the last 30 years of his life.
Highlights of the 27, 384 square foot museum include:
- A tile mural with an image of Charlie Brown running to kick the football held by Lucy that is composed of 3,588 tiles - each with a different cartoon strip image
- A 7000-pound morphing Snoopy sculpture that illustrates the evolution of Snoopy, beginning with Spike, Schulz's childhood pet and inspiration for the world-famous beagle
- Two galleries with permanent and changing exhibitions of original strips and memorabilia illustrating Schulz's career and his influence on the art of the comic strip
- A re-creation of Schulz's studio work area
- Outdoor gardens and exhibits - including a Snoopy labyrinth
- 100-seat auditorium
- A research library and archives
C. David Robinson Architects designed the museum to reflect the playful whimsy of Schulz's cartoon world. Japanese artist Yoshiteru Otani created two large art installations that will inspire visitors to ponder the themes, magnitude and artistry of Schulz's work. Gordon Chun Design is overseeing the design of the exhibit spaces and graphics to allow visitors to appreciate the original works of Schulz in an intimate, friendly, thought provoking setting. Some of the treats awaiting visitors include: exhibits on Snoopy's outer-space adventures (for real); other cartoonists' tribute art to Sparky; and an entire wall moved from the former Colorado Springs home of Schulz that he painted with early cartoon figures for his daughter Meredith's nursery in 1951.
Charles M. Schulz's work reflects America and he had an uncanny way of keeping Peanuts relevant. For his brilliance, Schulz received numerous accolades. These include a star on the Hollywood Hall of Fame, several Emmy and Peabody awards, the honor of serving as the grand marshal of the 1974 Rose Bowl Parade, induction into the Cartoonist Hall of Fame, and most recently, a posthumous Congressional Gold Medal (June 7, 2001). Named "Sparky" after Sparkplug, a horse in the Barney Google Comic Strip, Charles M. Schulz and his Peanuts gang will be with us forever. When the Charles M. Schulz Museum opens this summer, Schulz fans will always have a place to visit to remind them why Schulz has always been such an important part of their life.
ADMISSIONS INFORMATION:
Hours of Operation:
August 17 - 19: 10AM - 6PM
After August 19:
Weekdays except Tuesday, 12 Noon - 5:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday 10 AM - 5:30 PM
Closed Tuesdays
Weekdays (except Tuesday) 9:30AM - 12 Noon, reserved for tour groups by advance reservation only
Admission fees:
Museum Members, Children 3 and under - Free
Children 4-18 college students with valid I.D. Card And Seniors 62+ - $5.00
Adults - $8.00
School Tour groups of 10 or more - $3.00/student
1 Free adult admission for each 6 students.
Additional adults accompanying group - $5.00 each
For more information see the Museum website at www.SchulzMuseum.org.
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