300,000 visitors to Kansas City's 40,000-square-foot book museum
The Rabbit hOle uses life-size recreations of children's stories to engage readers as federal data shows a decline in leisure reading among youth.
By Liam O'Connor ·
Federal data indicates a sharp drop in the number of children who read for pleasure. In the 1980s, more than half of nine-year-olds read for fun almost daily. That figure has fallen to 37 percent according to the latest Nation's Report Card. The decline accelerates as children grow older, with only 14 percent of 13-year-olds reporting regular leisure reading. Meanwhile, 65 percent of children between the ages of eight and 13 watch television daily and average 5.5 hours of screen time per day.
The Rabbit hOle, a museum in Kansas City, Missouri, aims to counter these trends through immersive exhibits. The facility covers more than 40,000 square feet and features approximately 45 displays. Each exhibit recreates scenes from classic and modern children's books, including “Madeline,” “Frog and Toad,” and “Curious George.” Newer titles represented include “My Garden” and “I Want My Hat Back.” One display recreates the great green room from “Goodnight Moon,” featuring a bed, fireplace, oversized rocking chair, and a moving moon.
Since opening in 2024, the museum has welcomed more than 300,000 visitors from all 50 states and international locations such as Italy, Sweden, and Singapore. The displays are constructed in-house at the museum's factory. One exhibit features a 16-foot giant panda named Stillwater from Jon J. Muth’s book “Zen Shorts.”
Founder Peter Cowdin and his wife Deb Pettid operated a bookstore for 28 years before establishing the museum. Cowdin stated that the concept had been developing for years before they secured the necessary rights. He explained that they wanted to celebrate the history and culture of children's literature without focusing on marketing or sales.
Cowdin said the museum requires permission from authors or their estates for every exhibit. These rights are granted free of charge to keep admission costs low. Tickets cost $16 per person, and children under the age of two enter for free.
Parents visiting the museum report that the experience encourages their children to engage with stories. Abbey Mecca, a mother of three, said reading is a non-negotiable part of her household culture. Idean Bindell, another mother of three, noted that the museum helps her children appreciate the art of storytelling rather than just seeing books on a shelf. Cowdin observed that children in the museum rarely want to use phones or tablets. He attributed this to the museum's emphasis on the joy of reading rather than treating it as a skill to be drilled.
The museum's approach contrasts with the growing competition for children's attention from screens. Cowdin said the idea behind the project was to create a space where creation and generative activity are central to the experience.
