A Nostalgic Family Visit to Elmer & Friends Exhibition
As a mum, I have always loved the Elmer books. I used to read them to Mason when he was tiny, and even now as an infant school teaching assistant, I still regularly share these stories with young children. So when The Novium Museum invited us to the VIP launch of their new Elmer & Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee exhibition, we were absolutely thrilled.
Mason has definitely grown out of Elmer now, but for the nostalgia alone, he was really excited to come along. We also brought a friend and her 6-year-old son so we could experience it through the eyes of a younger child too, which turned out to be such a lovely decision!
First Impressions: Storytelling at The Novium Museum
The event began with a reading of the very first Elmer story by one of the wonderful museum staff. The little ones were completely captivated and if I’m honest, so were the adults! There’s something so timeless about these stories that draws everyone in.
After the reading, we were invited to explore the exhibition at our own pace. The staff were fantastic friendly, approachable, and incredibly knowledgeable, especially when it came to David McKee and his work.
Alongside Elmer, the exhibition also features other beloved creations like Not Now Bernard and Mr Benn, which was such a nostalgic highlight for me as I absolutely loved Mr Benn growing up.
Exploring the Elmer & Friends Exhibition
The exhibition itself is a brilliant mix of history and hands-on fun. It showcases original illustrations, early sketches, and a fascinating look at the evolution of Elmer, alongside a huge range of merchandise from over the years.
What really stood out, though, was how immersive and sensory it is for children, there are interactive elements throughout, and yes… even elephant poo to smell if you’re feeling brave!
As it was the VIP launch, we were also treated to some lovely refreshments, including a very creative Elmer shaped watermelon. On our way out, each child received a super cute Elmer cupcake, which was such a thoughtful touch and definitely went down well.
The exhibition is bright, colourful, and full of joy but most importantly, it shares a powerful message about celebrating differences. Watching the wonder in the little ones eyes, the smiles from older children, and even the adults reconnecting with childhood memories made it such a special experience.
We would wholeheartedly recommend this exhibition to anyone, not just families with young children! As we discovered, you never really lose your love for David McKee’s work. If you loved it once, you always will.
Final Thoughts on Elmer & Friends Exhibition
Whether you’re visiting with little ones or simply reliving your own childhood memories, this exhibition is a truly magical experience.
It’s colourful, interactive, nostalgic, and full of heart and one we won’t forget anytime soon.
The Elmer & Friends: The Colourful World of David McKee exhibition runs until 13 September 2026.
Ticket prices are:
- £5 per child
- £3 per adult
- £15 family ticket (2 adults + up to 3 children)
Visiting The Novium Museum Chichester
The museum itself is also well worth a visit. It’s a real credit to Chichester and a fantastic hub for local history. There’s even an impressive Roman bath right in the entrance, which is worth seeing on its own.
General admission to the museum is free, although some special exhibitions like this one are ticketed.
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