The Rabbit hOle

Imagine a place where the pages of your favorite childhood books literally come to life, inviting you into their stories. The Rabbit hOle is an innovative immersive museum located in Kansas City, USA, dedicated to a century of American children's literature. Housed in a massive industrial building, this project offers guests the chance not just to read stories, but to become a part of them.

The exhibition occupies an impressive 14,000 square meters across four floors of a historic warehouse in the Iron District. Worlds from classic works such as "Goodnight Moon," "Frog and Toad," and "Where the Sidewalk Ends" come to life here. Unlike traditional galleries, The Rabbit hOle is a multi-level interactive space featuring detailed installations that allow visitors of all ages to rediscover the joy of reading through play.

One of the museum's key features is its exclusivity: the creators obtained the rights to bring over 70 literary works from various authors and publishers to life. This makes the venue truly one-of-a-kind across the entire country. Every zone here is crafted with incredible attention to detail, turning an ordinary walk into an exciting journey through the waves of literary memory.

If you're planning a visit to this extraordinary place, you'll find these up-to-date contact details helpful. The museum is located in North Kansas City and is easily recognizable due to its scale.

A visit to The Rabbit hOle is a true sensory feast. Guests can step into the "Great Green Room" from the famous book "Goodnight Moon," where every detail is recreated: from the comb and brush on the table to the bowl of mush. Surprisingly, you can even pick up the receiver of an old telephone and hear the voice of the illustrator's son reading the story. This is a space where active interaction with the surroundings is allowed and even encouraged.

Fans of the classics can explore the cozy marsh and the home of Frog and Toad, constructed using natural wood floors and walls. In total, the museum features over 45 interactive exhibits, each conveying the spirit of its work through tactile sensations and sounds. It is an ideal place for parents and children to bond over shared stories, completely disconnecting from digital technology and immersing themselves in a world of pure imagination.

Getting to The Rabbit hOle is quite simple, as the museum is conveniently located in the Iron District of North Kansas City. If you are traveling by car from downtown, the trip will take only 10–15 minutes. You should follow I-70 North. For the convenience of visitors, parking is provided on the complex grounds.

For those who prefer public transport, Heartland Express bus routes are available, connecting major parts of the city with the northern districts. A stop is located within walking distance of the museum entrance. You can also always use taxi services or popular apps like Uber and Lyft — a trip from downtown or from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) will take between 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

The story behind this ambitious project began back in 2018. The idea belongs to spouses Deb Pettid and Pete Cowdin, who owned the renowned Reading Reptile bookstore for 30 years. After closing the shop in 2016, they decided to devote all their energy to creating something even more massive — the first center of children's literature of its kind, where books literally come to life.

To realize their dream, a major fundraising campaign was launched, successfully raising approximately $15 million. These funds went toward purchasing the old warehouse and paying a whole team of local artists and craftsmen who manually created every detail of the exhibition. After six years of intensive preparation, The Rabbit hOle officially opened its doors on March 12, 2024.

The museum's success was immediate: the prestigious The New York Times included it in its list of "52 Places to Go in 2024." And the project continues to evolve. The founders' plans include developing new floors of the building, opening a print shop, a writing lab, a library, and the themed Lucky Rabbit Bookstore, turning the site into a full-fledged cultural hub.

To fully enjoy all the installations and not miss a single detail, the average visitor is recommended to set aside 2 to 4 hours for their visit. The museum's area is enormous, and every corner hides secrets that you'll want to examine closely.

For families with children, the stroll could easily stretch into half a day. Given the play areas, the future cafe, and the bookstore, time flies by here. It is recommended to arrive in the morning to have the opportunity to peacefully explore all three open floors without being rushed.

The museum welcomes guests throughout the week, except on Mondays. From Tuesday to Friday, as well as on Saturdays, the doors are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Sundays, the schedule is slightly different: visitors are welcome from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Please note that the operating schedule may change on holidays or during special events. Before your trip, it is recommended to check the official website for current information to ensure your visit is as comfortable as possible.

Kansas City offers plenty of options to continue your family holiday after immersing yourself in literary worlds. Exploring the surrounding area will help complement your experience with active entertainment and outdoor walks.

Below is a list of interesting places located near the museum that may interest travelers with children and fans of active leisure: