A whimsical "rabbit hole" opening with purple and pink lights to lead the way

Dive into The Rabbit hOle

By Weston Owen

Kansas City’s newest interactive museum brings our childhood favorites to life.

When we’re children, the world is full of unimaginable experiences where anything is possible and the absurd is almost attainable. For many, this sense of wonderment is born from bedtime stories and children’s literature, full of vivid and brilliant landscapes, curious characters and otherworldly adventures. 

But as we grow, that luster is easily lost. The vivid and brilliant can often become dull and mundane. Yet one of Kansas City’s newest immersive experiences looks to restore our sense of awe and whimsy, from the tiniest of tykes to the most spirited of seniors.

Two small children staring in wonder at a miniature house display

The Rabbit hOle, located in North Kansas City, creates a living culture around literature, one that’s accessible to all and nourishes, empowers and inspires the reading lives of both children and adults.

Co-directors Deb Pettid and Pete Cowdin have cultivated an intimate, inviting storybook world in which to lose yourself, showcasing more than 100 years of children’s books, spanning over 150,000 square feet in a historic, century-old warehouse.

  • Open staircase decorated with jungle scenery and each step depicting a story line

Tens of thousands have already dived into this endless wonder, guided by Fox Rabbit — a curious and crepuscular fellow who, as the tales say, is a fox who was orphaned at birth yet raised by rabbits. While visitors may never actually see Fox Rabbit, he is the guiding force behind the museum’s storybook fantasy. 

Within the three floors of radically immersive, creatively curated space, magic truly comes to life. Multi-sensory and discoverable environments help tell children’s stories in ways never before imagined, which can be equally as thrilling for the nostalgic parents reliving their childhood. Whether it’s whispering “goodnight moon” in the great green room or getting a whiff of the pungent tales of the Stinky Cheese Man, each experience is different than the last. 

  • Clear orbs with items depicting various characters and items from a children's book
Whimsical sculpture of a man sitting against a tree wearing a large stack of hats

The Rabbit hOle is constantly changing and ever-evolving, thanks to the brilliant, passionate in-house team of designers, artists and fabricators tasked with bringing each story to life. The mythical landscapes are painstakingly perfected to ensure that the story scenes stand the test of time… and withstand the havoc our little ones can sometimes wreak. For these reasons, The Rabbit hOle will never be truly “finished” but will always offer fresh stories and experiences time and time again. 

What’s more, these thoughtfully inspired spaces will host events with authors and illustrators, while also serving as a backdrop for literary workshops, literature-inspired programming, featured exhibitions and so much more. Featuring a Print Shop and Story Lab, The Lucky Rabbit Bookstore, a Makerspace, Resource Library and a Discovery Gallery for original book art, The Rabbit hOle’s programming delivers for both the young and old, elementary to educators and everyone in between. 

Museums like The Rabbit hOle are communal safe havens that implore us to think critically, live empathetically and dream astronomically. An educational experience where age, race, gender and background are left at the surface as we tumble down this hole of adventure together, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, exploring every exciting turn. So gather your loved ones of all ages and dive into one of the most unique and memorable museum experiences in Kansas City.

  • Woman reading a book to several children in a room decorated to look like a storybook
Artist Spotlight
  • Artist Kelli Harrod standing in her workshop among in-progress artistic projects, including frog sculptures
    Kelli Harrod

    Lead Painter and General Fabricator

    What makes working on The Rabbit hOle so special? I love getting to be a part of creating a place that’s so impactful to so many people. It’s an incredible opportunity to help bring the illustrations in these books to life. 

    Why is an asset like this so important to KC? Bringing stories to life, in a way that allows people of all ages to immerse themselves in a book and not a screen, is so important in our world today. It’s amazing to have a place that does that and so much more right here in KC. 

  • Artist Grand Keslo wearing a work apron, standing in a workshop with tools hanging up
    Grant Kelso

    Exhibit Specialist

    What makes working on The Rabbit hOle so special? You’re surrounded by a talented group of creatives who not only push you to grow as a maker and artist but also provide a uniquely supportive community. This collective environment fosters collaboration, learning and artistic growth, making it an inspiring space where creativity thrives. 

    What’s been the most magical exhibit to work on? The Anatole books exhibit by Eve Titus, illustrated by Paul Galdone. My absolute favorite part is watching Anatole ride his bike through the town. It fills me with joy to see the children’s faces light up with curiosity and wonder as Anatole comes up the street and disappears around a building. Moments like that — where art meets magic — remind me why I love being a maker and artist. 

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