In the news
The Denver Post calls the show "a brilliant survey":
'Wild Things' resists tropes and plays with audience expectations while still offering the blockbuster imagery promised in the title. So much so, in fact, that this is the largest retrospective of his work to date, according to the museum.
The New York Times takes a deep dive into the exhibition:
Soon, the show crescendos — on one wall, a mural of animals on parade; from a video screen, songs from 'Really Rosie,' a musical he created with Carole King; and, finally, large letters declaring 'LET THE WILD RUMPUS START!,' the words that trigger a wild celebration with Max and the Wild Things he meets on his imagined journey.
That book, which has now been translated into more than 46 languages, is celebrated here, with the original paintings displayed together for the first time in a major art museum.
Forbes magazine raves about the exhibition and the slate of shows on view this fall and winter:
Now is an especially great time to visit the Denver Art Museum. In addition to Maurice Sendak, DAM presents a special exhibition of Alma Thomas’ vivid paintings from the Smithsonian American Art Museum through January 12, 2025. A compelling glimpse into life during Japanese internment in America via Tokio Ueyama can be seen through June 1, 2025. Opening on November 17, 2024, arguably the nation’s greatest living photographer, Dawoud Bey, takes center stage.
When the four shows are on display simultaneously, it will represent the finest special exhibition program at any museum in the country. An astonishing assemblage
The Denver Gazette says the show "gets to the heart of Sendak's delightful darkness."
Rocky Mountain PBS explores how the DAM gave some of the illustrations "a little TLC" before they went on view.
9News discusses the exhibition and how "we all have a little bit of Max."
Denver7 gives a sneak peek into the show and "shows us how powerful a book can be."
Cultured magazine recommends Wild Things as one of the "otherworldly" exhibitions around the country to see to take your mind off election anxiety.
Visitor comments
"A romp through my childhood. One of the best exhibits I've ever seen. Do yourself a favor and go see it." - Laura F.
"Extraordinary exhibition that required two hours for us. Fascinating and fabulous artwork pre- Wild Things. Definitely a new respect for Sendak and his work." - Joyce K.
"Went today. It was great! I learned way more about Sendak. I definitely have a greater appreciation for his entire body of work." - Michael U.
"This show was fabulous!!!! Such a fantastic display!!" - Tressen B.
"This was such a cool exhibit! An incredible collection of Sendak's work. A must see." - Monique M.
"What a wonderful, fun exhibit." - Julie T.
"This show is amazing!" - Cathy P.
"Saw it this weekend. It is such an amazing exhibit. Maurice Sendak was much more prolific than I ever realized and the show provides lots of insight into his inspirations, his life, and his stories. Don't miss it!" - Jeannie Z.
