Booking opens on World Book Day for Elmer and Friends exhibition at The Novium Museum
Children's favourite Elmer the patchwork elephant will soon be arriving in Chichester for The Novium Museum's latest exhibition which opens next month.
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee opens to the public on Saturday 18 April but families and David McKee enthusiasts can get ahead of the crowds when tickets go on sale on World Book Day (Thursday 5 March). This will also include a limited number of tickets for a special VIP launch event.
The exhibition, created by Seven Stories the UKs National Centre for Childrens Books will arrive during the National Year of Reading 2026, offering visitors a chance to explore McKee's much-loved stories through original artworks and hands-on, interactive displays
General admission tickets will be available for the exhibitions 21-week run, including regular quiet sessions, offering a calmer visiting time with reduced noise and visitor numbers for anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed experience.
Visitors are encouraged to book online to avoid disappointment and secure the best available admission rates to the exhibition - £5 for children, £3 for adults, and £15 for a family/group ticket (admits two adults and up to three children).
Tickets will also be available for the VIP launch event taking place on Saturday 18 April 2026, 10am-12pm (£12 per child, £5 per adult). Guests will be among the first to explore the exhibition and take part in craft activities, including making a crown inspired by the light-hearted adventures of King Rollo. The morning also includes Elmer themed storytelling sessions to enjoy and light refreshments, with a boxed Elmer cupcake for every guest to take home.
A varied events programme will run alongside the exhibition, including illustration workshops for families and adults, a special Elmer Day celebration in May, plus curriculum-linked workshops for nurseries and schools. The museum shop will also be stocked with a range of Elmer-themed gifts, jewellery and toys for visitors to buy as a memento.
Excitement has been building for the exhibition since it was announced in January, when The Novium Museum invited local children to get involved through a community art project and creative competitions.
Amanda Rogan, Manager of The Novium Museum and Tourist Information Centre says: We've been delighted by the response from local families so far particularly to the half term workshops and childrens competitions and we're really looking forward to welcoming visitors to the exhibition. Elmer and Friends brings together David McKees original illustrations with hands-on interactive displays, including reading areas for families to share stories together and dressing-up corners for children to get into character.
Elmer and Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee opens at The Novium Museum on Saturday 18 April and will run until Sunday 13 September 2026. For tickets and exhibition information, visit https://www.thenovium.org.uk/e...