The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

ERIC CARLE ECMPBAshoul2003

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art opened its doors in 2002 with a bold but simple vision: to ensure that picture-book illustration, as an art form, would be celebrated around the world.

Since then, the Museum has been a tireless champion for picture book art, amassing a world-class collection of original illustrations and organizing exhibitions that travel the globe. Our education programs, which focus on the joys of art and books, have reached hundreds of thousands of children.

Mission Statement

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is the international champion for picture books. We collect, preserve, and exhibit original illustrations, encourage guests of all ages to read and create art, and foster an ever-growing audience passionate about children’s literature.
Vision

We envision a world where people everywhere experience joy, hope, and understanding through picture books.

Values

  • The Carle has a responsibility to offer audiences of all ages and experiences innovative ways to enjoy the picture book.
  • Picture books have cultural importance, with historical, artistic, literary, educational, and social value.
  • Children raised with picture books develop essential learning skills, like creativity and critical thinking.
  • Picture books encourage a compassionate society. They help us see ourselves more clearly and open us up to people who are different than we are. In order to do that, their creators and the characters they depict must represent our diverse world.
  • Picture book art must be preserved for future generations.

For any questions or to schedule a private program at an additional charge, please contact:

Siobhán McArdle, programs@carlemuseum.org