‘Gabby’s Dollhouse’ will bring ‘meow-gical’ memories to Children’s Museum
To determine if your child is a true fan of the Netflix series “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” just mention the Meow, Meow Mailbox and watch the excited reaction.
Ask them what Pandy Paws might be saying prior to a mail delivery and you’ll likely hear, “I’ve got a feeling in my whiskers.”
That’s because every episode begins with Gabby as a real girl before she magically shrinks down to explore her animated dollhouse. Each adventure starts with a delivery from the Meow, Meow Mailbox, inspiring a new story, craft, game, or recipe.
The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, which keeps its fingers on the pulse of what children love, is bringing the magic to life with the traveling exhibit “Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days” from Aug. 28-30.
A ‘catastic’ good time
Max Pipman, senior director of marketing and communications at the museum, explains that the national tour is a collaboration between Dreamworks Animation and the Association of Children’s Museums.
“The tour is a natural fit with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and is a chance to celebrate the power of imagination and creativity,” Pipman said.
The experience will include a timed meet-and-greet with a costumed Gabby, a dance party, a “Find the Gabby Cat” Scavenger Hunt storytime and a Hamster Kitties fairy craft. all free with a Children’s Museum admission, or membership.
“Gabby will be here, so it will be a really special moment for a photo opportunity,” Pipman said.
Families interested in meeting Gabby should reserve a time slot soon.
“We expect them to go fast,” said Pipman. “This is the second year and the largest tour yet. The only place to experience it in western Pennsylvania is here.”
A growth mindset
Beyond the colorful characters, “Gabby’s Dollhouse” helps deliver meaningful lessons for children.
It helps them understand that mistakes are a part of learning. Gabby and her friends often say they “failed fantastically” to stress that missteps are a part of life.
The series also helps children understand emotions. When Cakey Cat is excited, worried, or happy, his colorful sprinkles change to match his feelings because baking sweet treats brings him joy. Each character has its own favorite hobbies and talents. For example, Carlita loves racing and DJ Catnip loves making music.
Gabby also inspires children to persevere. “Don’t give up, give it a go; stay pawsitive,” she is known to say.
Parents visiting the museum will likely see the excitement begin before they even enter, starting with a bus parked out front.
“It will be something they will remember,” said Pipman.
Or, as Gabby would say, “Meow-mories are the best treasures.”
The creators
The success of “Gabby’s Dollhouse” comes from Traci Paige Johnson and Jennifer Twomey who bring with them decades of expertise in creating preschool entertainment.
Johnson, the co-creator and original voice of “Blue’s Clues,” promotes interactive storytelling that invites children to participate, explore and embrace creativity.
Emmy-nominated producer and writer Twomey, brings expertise in early childhood development, literacy and social-emotional learning.
Their shared philosophy blends entertainment with play, helping young viewers to bring the show’s lessons from the dollhouse into their own lives.
Insights from fans
Natalie Medved, Pittsburgh resident and head of broadcast at Pace Public Relations, reached out to her brother Rudy, whose children are aged 4 and 5, to ask what they enjoy most about the show.
His daughter Quinlee said she loves when Pandy Paws “hug attacks” and she also enjoys CatRat. CatRat has been known to cause a bit of mischief with the exit line: “I’m CatRat and I’m out of here.”
Her brother Mason said, “Cakey is fun too. I like it when they throw sprinkle parties.”
Dad weighs in as well. “The show makes my daughter happy, so we like it and CatRat is a funny name for a character so we all laugh when CatRat is involved,” he said.
For more information visit gabbysdollhouse.com/events/meowseum.