“It’s been nonstop since day one,” says a weary information booth clerk in the lobby of the Museum of Modern Art. A security guard practically has trouble moving about in the massive gallery space. The paintings, drawings, storyboards, puppets and doodles by director Tim Burton — over 700 pieces in all — have been drawing crowds at MoMA since its opening last November. And there doesn’t seem to be any letting up. According to the museum’s website, this “timed entry ticket” exhibit has been a sell-out on weekends and holidays. But, for fans and those who enjoy a good doodle of a baby pierced with nails, and a stitched up mouth, it’s an exhibit not to miss. It runs until April 26th, so get moving. (Timed tickets are not required for weekdays).
Popular items on display include memorabilia of Burton’s many movies, including a life-size Edward Scissorhands mannequin, the cape from Sleepy Hollow, the Catwoman’s outfit from Batman Returns, and the dolls from the animated Corpse Bride and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Lacking from the exhibit, except for one lone drawing of the “Queens of Hearts,” is any mention of Burton’s newest movie, Alice in Wonderland, opening March 5. But, those items, I’m sure, will find their way into a future exhibit.
From one item to the next, Burton’s creative and downright unnerving talent can be seen. Among the comments heard about the gallery were typically these: “This one really creeps me out.” His audience, on this Sunday afternoon, included the Manhattan older couple out for the day, tourists and suburban families with youngsters, and lots of college and teenage fans. It seems Burton’s draw crosses the spectrum of art lovers. Tickets for this Sunday afternoon had to have been purchased weeks ago.
Of course the museum’s exhibit would not be complete without educational programs, and kid workshops. Take for example, the “Lights, Camera, Action” event where kids 9 to 14 can make an animated short film, (reservations required), or the “Films for Tweens,” where guests can view a series of screenings and age-appropriate special presentations; the “Free Teen Nights at MoMa” run every Friday nights from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. during the school year, with pizza, films and artist workshops.
One last event to mention is the Friday, April 2 program, “Beyond Burbank: Collaborating with Tim Burton.” Colleen Atwood (costume designer), Stephen Chiodo (production designer), and Rick Heinriches (sculptor and designer) discuss their participation on many Burton movies (separate ticket required). And, speaking of the movies, tickets to the exhibit also include showings of all of Burton’s hit movies from Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure (1985) to Sweeney Todd (2007) — 16 in all — plus many of the B-movie science fiction flicks that inspired him, like cult favorite Glen or Glenda directed by Ed Wood. (Check website for showings and movie times.)
One last thought, if you are planning to visit the other remarkable art MoMA displays, like the works of Picasso, Cezanne, or Van Gogh, then do so BEFORE the Burton exhibit. Somehow the works of these artists just seem a bit, well, ordinary, after the far-out world of art of Tim Burton.
The Museum of Modern Art
11 West 53 Street
New York, NY 10019
(212) 708-9400
www.moma.org/timburton
Open six days a week, closed Tuesdays.
Tickets: $20 Adults, $16 Seniors, $12 Students w/ID, and free to kids 16 and under. Ticket includes exhibit. Make sure to get a timed ticket for weekends/holidays.
