Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

The LSU Museum of Art is thrilled to announce Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books, a vibrant and nostalgic exhibition opening on February 27, 2025. This delightful exhibition features sixty original illustrations that have captivated generations, taking visitors on a journey through the rich history and creative artistry of Little Golden Books.

Launched in 1942—the first full year of America’s involvement in the Second World War—Little Golden Books made high quality illustrated books available at affordable prices for the first time to millions of young children and their parents. Among the artists who contributed to the ambitious series were greats of the European émigré community (including Garth Williams, Feodor Rojankovsky, and Tibor Gergely) who had gathered in New York as the European situation worsened; alumni of the Walt Disney Studios (including Gustaf Tenggren, Martin Provensen, J. P. Miller, and Mary Blair); and such American originals as Leonard Weisgard, Eloise Wilkin, Elizabeth Orton Jones, Richard Scarry, and Hilary Knight. This exhibition also spotlights contemporary artists like Dan Yaccarino, continuing the legacy of inspiring children to love books and art.

Organized by the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas, Golden Legacy features original artwork from timeless classics, offering a closer look at the stories behind the images. Families, art enthusiasts, and nostalgic fans of all ages are invited to relive the magic of picture-book classics such as The Poky Little Puppy, Tootle, Home for a Bunny, The Color Kittens, I Can Fly, and more.

This exhibition is also supported by a generous grant from the Pennington Family Foundation.

On view February 27–May 25, 2025

Lenders & Sponsors

This exhibition was organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature, Abilene, Texas. This exhibition is also supported by a generous grant from the Pennington Family Foundation.

Upcoming Lectures and Programs

Featured
Lecture by Author and Illustrator Denise Gallagher
Mar 21
Lecture by Author and Illustrator Denise Gallagher

Join author and illustrator Denise Gallagher for a lecture highlighting the enduring impact of Golden Books on children's literature.

Workshop: Writing and Illustrating Children's Books with Denise Gallagher
Mar 22
Workshop: Writing and Illustrating Children's Books with Denise Gallagher

Join published children’s author and illustrator Denise Gallagher for this lively workshop. She will share inspiring prompts, encourage discussion, and give tips on writing and illustrating for children. No experience necessary. But whether you draw or write, prepare to be creative! For ages 12+. Pre-registration required. Limited seats available.

Wild Style Workshop & Fashion Show: Design an Animal-Inspired Hat
Mar 30
Wild Style Workshop & Fashion Show: Design an Animal-Inspired Hat

Join us for a special workshop in partnership with BREC on Sunday, March 30 to design your own animal-inspired paper hat! Show off your creation in a fashion show during the April 6 Free First Sunday. Ages 5+ / Pre-registration required. Limited to 15 participants. Register online at via Eventbrite using the button below.

Access for All Day: Golden Books Animals
Apr 6
Access for All Day: Golden Books Animals

Explore the beloved animal characters of Golden Books through art and storytelling. Enjoy art activities inspired by the animal superstars of the Tawny Scrawny Lion, I Am a Bunny, The Little Red Hen, and other cherished titles. Join us at 1:30 PM for the Wild Style Fashion Show. From 2–3 PM, the LSU Raptor Rehabilitation program will be here with three of their bird ambassadors. Come see these remarkable raptors and learn more about Louisiana's incredible wildlife! Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

Pop Up Guided Group Tour: Golden Legacy
Apr 11
Pop Up Guided Group Tour: Golden Legacy

Join us for a 45-minute guided tour of exhibit of Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books led by LSUMOA Educator & Public Programs Manager, Callie Smith. The tour is designed for all ages and will be open to the first 25 people. No registration required. Friday nights are free thanks to Louisiana Lottery Corporation.

Free Spring Reception
Apr 24
Free Spring Reception

Celebrate our two spring exhibitions: Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books and In Focus: Artwork by LSU Faculty. Free and open to the public.

Access for All Day: The Art of Children's Books
May 4
Access for All Day: The Art of Children's Books

Celebrate the creativity of children’s literature with published authors from the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators. Dive into the vibrant world of illustrated stories through hands-on art projects, story time, and creative writing prompts. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

Pop Up Guided Group Tour: Golden Legacy
May 9
Pop Up Guided Group Tour: Golden Legacy

Join us for a 45-minute guided tour of exhibit of Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books led by LSUMOA Educator & Public Programs Manager, Callie Smith. The tour is designed for all ages and will be open to the first 25 people. No registration required. Friday nights are free thanks to Louisiana Lottery Corporation.

LSU MOA Installation

Past Events

Featured
Museum Members: Curator Gallery Talk
Mar 6
Museum Members: Curator Gallery Talk

For museum members only: Join us for a gallery talk of Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books with LSUMOA Chief Curator Michelle Schulte.

Press

Featured
WAFB Channel 9 News features the exhibition, Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books
WAFB Channel 9 News features the exhibition, Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books

WAFB Channel 9 News did a feature on the exhibition Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books. Watch to learn more!

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225 Magazine: A new LSU Museum of Art exhibit tours illustrations that changed children’s literature
225 Magazine: A new LSU Museum of Art exhibit tours illustrations that changed children’s literature

225 Magazine: A new LSU Museum of Art exhibit tours illustrations that changed children’s literature. Read this feature to learn more!

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LSU Reveille: LSU Museum of Art turns the pages of history in its Little Golden Books exhibition
LSU Reveille: LSU Museum of Art turns the pages of history in its Little Golden Books exhibition

LSU Reveille: LSU Museum of Art turns the pages of history in its Little Golden Books exhibition. Read this feature to learn more!

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The Advocate: Colors are bold, the world is happy and all adults become kids in LSU's 'Golden Book' exhibit
The Advocate: Colors are bold, the world is happy and all adults become kids in LSU's 'Golden Book' exhibit

The Advocate: Colors are bold, the world is happy and all adults become kids in LSU's 'Golden Book' exhibit. Read this feature!

Read More →
InRegister Magazine: Get a closer look at the illustrations of Little Golden Books at LSU MOA
InRegister Magazine: Get a closer look at the illustrations of Little Golden Books at LSU MOA

Learn more about the exhibition Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books in this feature by inRegister.

Read More →
LSU Museum of Art presents Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books, opening February 27, 2025.
LSU Museum of Art presents Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books, opening February 27, 2025.

LSU Museum of Art presents Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books, opening February 27, 2025. Read this press release to learn more.

Read More →