Skinnamarink-ing Down Memory Lane: A Review of Museum of Toronto’s Kids TV Exhibit

Readers, I’ll admit it: I’ve fallen a bit behind schedule. Last Saturday I was set to write. But when the opportunity arose to take a road trip to Toronto for a stroll down memory lane, I couldn’t resist. Phil, Tiffany, and I headed to the Harbourfront Centre to visit the Museum of Toronto’s latest pop-up: "Mr. Dressup to Degrassi: 42 Years of Legendary Toronto Kids TV."

A Hit of Pure Canadian Nostalgia

For any Canadian child of the 80s or 90s, names like Mr. Dressup, The Polka Dot Door, and The Friendly Giant aren't just shows—they’re core memories. Curated by Retrontario’s Ed Conroy, the exhibit invites visitors to step back into those vibrant, sing-song worlds through recreated set pieces, iconic props and notable pieces of nostalgia.

The atmosphere requires a certain level of "childlike imagination." By the time we reached the entrance at Harbourfront Centre, I was already leaning into the theme, joking with the volunteers about scaling the parking garage to get inside. You have to leave your adult cynicism at the door to really feel the magic.

The Highlights: What’s Inside

The exhibit focuses on seven pillars of Canadian broadcasting:

• The Classics: The Friendly Giant and Mr. Dressup.
• The Icons: Polka Dot Door and The Elephant Show.
• The Deep Cuts: Today’s Special, Book Mice, and the early days of Degrassi.

Standout Displays: The Book Mice display was incredibly faithful to the original show, and seeing the miniature figures of Dumpty, Elephant, Muffy, and Sam Crenshaw encapsulated in glass felt like visiting old friends. Throughout the space, TVs loop classic clips via Retrontario, offering a quick lesson in the "lost art" of daydreaming.

The exhibit is designed for those wanting time warp but with their children in tow. Do parents today share their childhood shows with their kids, nieces, nephews or pets? The replicas of Casey and Finnegan from Mr. Dressup were commandeered by a child who, I assume, had no clue that were their given names. The tickle trunk sat open and ready for roleplaying to ensue. 

The puppet-making station was a smart addition - something we all followed along to as these shows often acted as instructional videos for rainy day activities. But where was Lois Walker?

The Verdict: Magic vs. Reality

While the nostalgia hits hard, the exhibit isn't without its flaws. The space is quite small, and if you aren't stopping to read every plaque, you can loop the entire room in just a few minutes.

I went in expecting a fully immersive, transformative experience—perhaps a bit too much "Disney" expectation for a local museum pop-up. I found myself wishing for more "human-scale" interaction:

• I wanted to look wayyyyyyy up at a life-sized Friendly Giant.
• I wanted to actually step through the Polka Dot Door.
• I wanted to dance the "Skinnamarink" with Elephant.
• I wanted to see Jeff come to life.
• I wanted to vote for Voula over Stephanie Kay.

I could not imagine trying to fit the Big Comfy Couch in there. In nicer weather, the outdoor space could accommodate for special programming like the Clock Stretch or learning the Camp Cariboogie.

The seven shows featured had memorabilia to emphasize its significance on their popularities. The details of the items helps to elongate your visit. Some artifacts looked like they had been pulled of the tables at a rummage sale.

Final Thoughts

This is a cute tribute to the creators who shaped Canadian childhoods. The space is tight, so only certain memories can be unpacked. The total history of Canadian children's television could not be on display. What is shown is a love for the history and viewers like you.

If you’re a product of 90s television or just looking for a whimsical stroll down memory lane, it’s worth the visit. It’s a gentle reminder that those childhood wishes stay with us long after we grow up.

The exhibit is on display until March 29th. Admission is free but a donation is highly recommended. Visit here for more information about the exhibition. 

For Habourfront Centre visitor information like parking or transit, visit here.

Learn more about Museum of Toronto's exhibitions and programs here.