Well, that means you’re curious. We like curious people. They’re pretty much our favorite kind. Hopefully you’ll find the answers you need but if not, don’t hesitate to contact us at contact@misterimaginestoys.com.
What was Mister Imagine’s Toy Store?
Mister Imagine’s Toy Store was the most amazing toy store on earth. There, we had every toy that ever or never existed, after all. If you can imagine it, we had it!
What was Mister Imagine’s Toy Store...really?
Mister Imagine’s Toy Store was a toy store where, in lieu of traditional toys, very plain, very brown, seemingly boring cardboard boxes were sold and transformed by children into unique, one-of-a-kind creations.
Wait, you sold boxes? Is this a joke?
Actually, it’s not. (Though the store was very funny so it may be part joke.) Truth be told, Mr. Imagine’s Toy Store was an idea conceived by Chicago Children’s Museum and its partners Energy BBDO and Xi Chicago in an effort to save real play. It is the belief of the museum that play at its purest form – the type of simple play that nurtures creativity and allows imaginations to run wild – is being threatened by the number of hours today’s children spend in front of the TV, playing video games and surfing the web.
So why did Chicago Children’s Museum do this?
For 30 years, it has been Chicago Children’s Museum’s mission to be a place where play and learning connect. To live out this mission, Chicago Children’s Museum is dedicated to providing kids with environments where their imaginations can thrive and, as a result, grow. Which is why, this year Chicago Children’s Museum is celebrating its 30th birthday with all things cardboard. (Cardboard is the ultimate tool for coaxing imaginations, after all. Anyone who has given a kid a present only to find they’re more intrigued with the box than the toy inside can relate to that.)
So, I missed Mister Imagine’s Toy Store, can I still play along?
Unfortunately, Mister Imagine’s Toy Store was a nine-day pop-up experience that ended on Sunday, October 21, 2012. But turn that frown upside down: the cardboard fun continues until May 5, 2013 at the Chicago Children’s Museum’s newest exhibit Unboxed: Adventures in Cardboard.
Well, that’s an excellent question. Be sure to LIKE Chicago Children’s Museum on Facebook to stay up-to-date on everything they’re doing to help save real play.
Are there plans to open more Mister Imagine’s Toy Stores?
Currently, there are no plans to expand Mister Imagine’s, but because we’re never-say-never people, we are open to the idea. If you have questions or ideas about opening additional locations, contact us at contact@misterimaginestoys.com and we’ll make sure Mister Imagine fits you into his oh-so-busy-imagining schedule.
