CURIOUS GEORGE SAVES THE DAY: THE ART OF MARGRET AND H. A. REY
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM PRESENTS
CURIOUS GEORGE SAVES THE DAY:
THE ART OF MARGRET AND H. A. REY
Exhibition on View: November 14, 2010-March 13, 2011
Press Preview: Thursday, November 11, 2010 9 AM-11 AM
San Francisco, CA, November 8, 2010 – The Contemporary Jewish Museum presents Curious
George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey, an exhibition of nearly 80 original drawings that
reveal a dramatic story of escape and survival. Curious George, the impish monkey protagonist of
many adventures (who will make a special, costumed appearance on November 14th at the
exhibition opening), may never have seen the light of day were it not for the determination and
courage of his creators: illustrator H. A. Rey (1898-1977) and his wife, author and artist, Margret Rey
(1906-1996). They were both born in Hamburg, Germany, to Jewish families and lived together in
Paris from 1936 to 1940. Hours before the Nazis marched into the city in June 1940, the Reys fled
on bicycles carrying drawings for their children’s stories including one about a mischievous monkey,
then named Fifi. Not only did the Reys save their animal characters, but they were saved by their
illustrations when authorities found them in their belongings. This may explain why saving the day
after a narrow escape became the premise of most of their Curious George stories.
After their fateful escape from Paris and a four-month journey across France, Spain, Portugal, and
Brazil, the couple settled in New York in the fall of 1940. In all, the Reys authored and illustrated
over 30 books, most of them for children, with seven of them starring Curious George. Seventy
years after the arrival of Curious George in America, the monkey’s antics have been translated into
over a dozen languages, including Hebrew and Yiddish, to the delight of readers, young and old,
around the world.
1 of 8Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey was organized by The Jewish Museum,
New York. Most of the art and documentation in the exhibition was lent by the de Grummond
Children’s Literature Collection, McCain Library and Archives, The University of Southern
Mississippi.
About the Exhibition
The exhibition at the Contemporary Jewish Museum offers visitors a rare opportunity to view nearly
80 original drawings and vibrant watercolors of Curious George and other characters. Many of these
works have never been displayed before. Preparatory dummy books, vintage photographs, and
documentation related to the Reys’ escape from Nazi Europe, such as H. A. Rey’s journals detailing
the couple’s perilous journey to freedom, are also included.
Exhibition highlights include original drawings and bright watercolors for: Raffy and the 9 Monkeys (in
which Curious George makes his debut as Fifi), featuring a lonely giraffe named Raffy and the nine
monkeys that become his playmates; Whiteblack the Penguin Sees the World with Whiteblack setting out
on a globe-trotting pursuit of new adventures; Fifi: The Adventures of a Monkey (later published as
Curious George); and subsequent American escapades of the famous monkey hero.
In addition, the exhibition features an interactive timeline, accessed via a touch-screen computer,
about the Reys’ life in France from the late 1930s through their fateful escape in the summer of
1940. Visitors will be able to view additional pages of H. A. Rey’s journal detailing the couple’s
journey to safety, images of illustrations by H. A. Rey, photographs taken by Margret Rey in France,
documentary photography related to early World War II in France, historic video, and listen to an
interview with the couple.
Visitors to the exhibition at the Contemporary Jewish Museum will have the opportunity to share
their personal journeys and to discover where other people, who call the Bay Area home, originated.
At a computer kiosk stationed in the gallery and at a large interactive map, visitors can plot their
journeys.
2 of 8"This wonderful exhibition has something for all ages," says Connie Wolf, Director and CEO of the
Contemporary Jewish Museum. "Children will love seeing and learning about their favorite
storybook monkey, and adults will be fascinated by the Reys’ personal story of escape and survival.
Art was what saved them and allowed them to rebuild their lives. There's quite a powerful narrative
behind one little inquisitive monkey."
About the Reys’ Journey
H. A. Rey (né Hans Augusto Reyersbach) had no formal art training, but in the early 1920s designed
and lithographed circus posters in Hamburg. Margret Rey (née Margarete Waldstein) studied art and
photography at the Bauhaus School and then worked in advertising firms and photographic studios
in Germany and England in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The two first met in Hamburg before
Hans departed for Rio de Janeiro in 1925, to work for a relative. They were married in 1935, after
Margret joined him there, following Hitler’s ascent to power in Germany.
An extended honeymoon took them to Paris, where the Reys stayed and began working on
children’s books. Filled with gentle humor and illustrated with H. A. Rey’s vivid watercolors, their
stories were usually formulated by Hans and later developed by Margret into a full plot.
Following the Nazi invasion of Poland in September 1939 and France’s declaration of war against
Germany, the Reys sought refuge first in the southern region of the Gers and later in Normandy,
fleeing Paris for the third and last time on June 12, 1940. Despite the difficulties, the Reys were
prolific in France, publishing seven books from 1937 through 1939 (three in both French and
English) and completing the manuscripts and drawings for at least four others later published in
America. On October 14, 1940, the Reys finally reached New York. Within a month, four of the
manuscripts they had brought with them were accepted for publication by the publisher Houghton
Mifflin.
Whether falsely alarming the fire department while experimenting with a telephone, going up in the
air with a bunch of balloons or a kite, or falling in the water after a failed attempt to fish with a mop,
the little monkey known as Curious George is always in trouble, both propelled and undone by his
insatiable curiosity and appetite for adventure. While the idea of the monkey’s narrow escape from
3 of 8danger was introduced in the first Curious George story created by the Reys in France, the concept
of “saving the day” is only used in their later books written while in the safety of the United States.
By the time the man with the yellow hat comes to his rescue, George’s capers have already been
mitigated with some poetic justice, which may be understood as emblematic of the important role
the character had played both in saving the Reys’ lives when fleeing Nazi Europe and later helping
them rebuild their careers in the United States. In turn, the little monkey born in France acts out the
fantasies of many immigrants: he lands an acting job in Hollywood soon upon arrival, advances
research by traveling in a spaceship, and makes it to the front page of newspapers, all the while
becoming thoroughly Americanized.
The exhibition will be on view at the Contemporary Jewish Museum from November 14, 2010-
March 13, 2011. Throughout the duration of the show the Museum will present a variety of
programs for adults and families.
EXHIBITION-RELATED PROGRAMMING
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Talk |The Journey that Saved Curious George
Thursday, January 13; 7-8 PM
Free with regular Museum admission. Admission is $5 after 5 PM.
Experience the journey of Margret and H. A. Rey, the creators of Curious George, with an
illustrated talk by children’s book author and literary detective Louise Borden, whose book The
Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H. A. Rey helped prompt the
Museum’s exhibition Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey. Book signing to
follow.
Talk |No More Monkey Business: Bay Area Power Couples Present the Secrets of their
Creative Success
Sunday, February 13; 2-4 PM
Free with regular Museum admission.
Local creative power couples share what makes their collaborations flourish, in celebration of
Valentine’s Day and the exhibition Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey.
Program includes clips of inspiring Bay Area couples recorded by the Museum’s StoryCorps
StoryBooth.
FAMILY PROGRAMS
DROP-IN ART-MAKING | Every Sunday and Special Holiday Weekends
4 of 81-3 PM
Free with admission. Youth 18 and under always FREE.
Experiment with new materials and techniques as you create art together as a family. Themes change
regularly and are related to Museum exhibitions, architecture, or holidays and traditions.
Sunday, November 14 and Sunday, November 21
Worldly Travel Tags!
The world of Curious George has arrived at the CJM, so here’s your chance to create personalized
worldly travel tags for your own journeys near and far!
Sunday, December 19 and Sunday, December 26
Artful Greetings
Make your own linoleum-cut printing stamps to create one-of-a-kind holiday cards, inspired by
Margret and H. A. Rey’s annual card-making tradition.
*Special Schools-Out Drop-In
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, December 27, 28, 30, 31
Wire Sculptures
As Curious George is constantly on the go, create wire sculptures that take you places!
Monday, December 27: Air Mobiles
Tuesday, December 28: Earth Mobiles
Thursday, December 30: Sea Mobiles
Friday, December 31: Outer Space Mobiles
PRESCHOOL GALLERY HOUR | Second Sundays
10-11:30 AM
Free with admission. Youth 18 and under always FREE.
If it’s the second Sunday of the month, it’s Preschool Gallery Hour, and the CJM is open early just
for preschoolers and their families.
Sunday, November 14
By George, You’ve Arrived!
Celebrate opening day of Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey. Tour the
exhibition, listen to some Curious George stories, make a worldly travel tag, and monkey around
with musical guest Circus Finelli.
Sunday, December 12
De-Light-Ful George!
Celebrate San Francisco Public Library Day at the CJM. Tour Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of
Margret and H. A. Rey, listen to Curious George stories, create “de-light-ful” shadow puppets, and
monkey around with musical guests.
FAMILY TOURS | First Sundays
3-3:45 PM
January 2, February 6, and March 6, 2011
Free with admission. Youth 18 and under are FREE.
5 of 8Experience Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey as a family, with an
interactive gallery tour designed specifically for families with children ages six to nine.
WORKSHOP | Sunday, November 21
When, How, and What to Say? Teaching Young Children about the Holocaust:
Lessons from Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey
A Workshop for Parents and Teachers
2:30-5:00 PM
$10
The Holocaust is an important part of the history of the Jewish people, and many families have
personal connections to this tragic event. At what age do we share this information with our
children or students? What information is developmentally appropriate to share? Morgan Blum
from Jewish Family and Children’s Services joins the CJM Education Department to ask these
difficult questions, discuss the best practices for teaching the Holocaust, and examine Curious George
Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey as a case study for starting a conversation about the
Holocaust. Resources provided. Refreshments will be served.
SPECIAL EVENTS AND FREE DAYS
Get Curious! | Saturday December 4
CJM Annual Family Gala
5:30-8:30 PM
Celebrate Hanukkah and the exhibition Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey
with us!
This magical evening will feature programs and activities for kids of all ages, including music and
dance, art-making, storytelling and family tours of the exhibition. Proceeds support CJM education
and family programs.
Adults: $100 for Members/$150 for the general public. Children ages 2-18: $50 for Members/$75
for the general public. For tickets please visit www.thecjm.org. For more information contact Stacey
Silver at ssilver@thecjm.org or 415.655.7836.
Presented by First Republic Bank.
Also generously sponsored by: Charles Schwab Foundation, Sterling Bank & Trust/Seligman
Family Foundation, Wells Fargo, and Bloomingdale’s, Taste, Bighorn Cellars, and Chronicle
Books. Media Sponsor: Bay Area Parent
SF PUBLIC LIBRARY DAY| Sunday, December 12
Free admission for all SFPL card holders and one guest.
11 AM- 5 PM
Show your SFPL card for free entry for you and a guest to all exhibitions and programs.
Children’s librarians from various SF libraries will be reading stories, the Museum will be filled with
activities celebrating storytelling for all ages, and Curious George will make costumed appearances
6 of 8throughout the day. The Museum opens early today for our Preschool Gallery Hour so if you have a preschooler,
make sure to check out this special hour starting at 10 AM.
Target Community Day | Saturday, December 25
Free admission for everyone!
11 AM- 5 PM
Join in the fun at the CJM’s FREE Target Community Day on Christmas Day, December 25, a day
of admission-free fun for visitors of all ages. Explore all of the Museums exhibitions and participate
in family-friendly activities This year we are celebrating the wonder of Curious George and families
will get to make their own story boats, and listen to their favorite Curious George stories.
The CJM is free for everyone on Christmas Day.
EXHIBITION SPONSORSHIP
Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H. A. Rey is organized by The Jewish Museum,
New York. The exhibition is supported by a bequest from the Estate of Lore Ross.
The San Francisco presentation is generously supported by the Mimi and Peter Haas Foundation,
James Irvine Foundation, Roselyne Chroman Swig, PNC Foundation, Chara Schreyer and Gordon
Freund, and Julie and David M. Levine.
Media Sponsors: Bay Area Parent and KQED.
Koret and Taube Foundations are the lead supporters of the 2010/11 exhibition season.
ABOUT THE CONTEMPORARY JEWISH MUSEUM
With the opening of its new building on June 8, 2008, the Contemporary Jewish Museum (CJM)
ushered in a new chapter in its 20-plus year history of engaging audiences and artists in exploring
contemporary perspectives on Jewish culture, history, art, and ideas. The new facility, designed by
internationally renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, is a lively center where people of all ages and
backgrounds can gather to experience art, share diverse perspectives, and engage in hands-on
activities. Inspired by the Hebrew phrase “L’Chaim” (To Life), the building is a physical
embodiment of the CJM’s mission to bring together tradition and innovation in an exploration of
the Jewish experience in the 21st century.
Major support for the Contemporary Jewish Museum comes from the Koret and Taube
Foundations; Jim Joseph Foundation; The Wallace Foundation; Bank of America; Institute of
Museum and Library Services; Grants for the Arts/San Francisco Hotel Tax Fund; The Bernard
Osher Jewish Philanthropies Foundation; Jewish Community Endowment Fund; Terra Foundation
for American Art; The Skirball Foundation; Target; and the Horace W. Goldsmith Foundation. The
Museum also receives major support from the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the
Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.
For media information or visuals visit our online press gallery or please contact:
Contemporary Jewish Museum
7 of 8Nina Sazevich
Public Relations
415.752.2483
Nina911@pacbell.net
Rachel Petru
Marketing & Communications Assistant
415.655.7830
rpetru@thecjm.org
Online:
www.thecjm.org/press
www.thecjm.org/imagegallery
General Information
The Museum is open daily (except Wednesday) 11 AM – 5 PM and Thursday, 1 – 8 PM. Museum
admission is $10.00 for adults, $8.00 for students and senior citizens with a valid ID, and $5 on
Thursdays after 5 PM. Youth 18 and under always get in free. For general information on the
Contemporary Jewish Museum, the public may visit the Museum’s web site at thecjm.org or call
415.655.7800. The Contemporary Jewish Museum is located at 736 Mission Street (between 3rd &
4th streets), San Francisco.
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