Cathedral, Castle, Mill, Pyramid, Mosque. What do these have in common? Yep, all buildings. Also, all names of books in my home bookshelf. Yep, I’m a big fan of author, David Macaulay, who wrote and illustrated masterfully all these books.
That is why, when I noticed the advertizement about BIG DRAW occuring at the National Building Museum on Saturday, I decided to attend. The author, David Macaulay, would be speaking. Plus, it was occurring at one of my favorite spaces in DC. I did have Saturday afternoon plans but Big Draw started at 10am. Yep, I was going!
Who is David Macaulay? Being married to an architect, we own all his tall, white paperback books – Cathedral, Castle, Mill, Pyramid, Mosque, City, Underground. In each, he tells the story, accompanied with brilliant black sketched drawings, of certain structures built on our planet.
So glad I went! He even signed a copy of Castle for my granddaughter!
PS – If you find yourself in DC, I definitely recommend a visit to the National Building Museum. Just stepping into the atrium space is worth a moment. Plus, they have a lovely gift shop. If you bring along kids, they will love the hands-on lego room! Plus, David Macaulay helped design the newest exhibit, Building Stories, which “brings kids and adults alike on an immersive exploration of the world of architecture, engineering, construction, and design found in the pages of children’s books.”
What’s your favorite museum to visit?
One day when our grandchildren are old enough to really take it all in, we want to take them to D.C. Thanks for the nudge and the photos. Amazing.
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What fun! I have not been to that museum yet… Maybe this summer! I love his books. I will be in the area June 28-July 4.
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Erika,
I almost added to my slice that Erika and I should go this summer!! It’s very close to that MLK library where we met up last year. Once I finalize my plans, I’ll make a summer date with you if I’m in town!
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Yay! A new museum! As soon as I saw his name, I thought what a treat for you and your husband. But a Lego room! Such fun!
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Aw, I should have gone! I also love the Building Museum. I love how you begin and end with a question. And I can just picture that section of y’all, skinny white books on your shelf. I think the heart of this piece is what those books have meant to your family and how you are passing that on to Aden!
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Wow! I wish I had known! I would have loved this event. Glad you got to go!I wonder if the National Building Museum has virtual tours. Going to check that out right now!
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Sally, that sounds like a wonderful event. Thanks for the advice to check out the National Building Museum. I love David McCauley’s illustration. I remember his Black and White book that won the Caldecott. I’m glad you got his autograph for Aden.
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Sally,
I live vicariously through your journeys around D.C., and I’d love to have heard this presentation. I’m fascinated by architecture and own the newest edition of the guide to American home styles. Our buildings speak in ways words cannot. Thank you for sharing this experience and for the link. I’m now off to explore that virtual world.
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I absolutely LOVE David Macaulay. I love his books AND his illustrations. He helped me in the classroom while teaching nonfiction (text features, etc) and art. We used his incredible pix, structures to do citiscapes. Good for you! Especially the part of going to see an author and celebrating his work. . .
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