on Maurice Sendak

Join acclaimed author and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner for a conversation with Diana Seave Greenwald, organizing curator of Drawing the Curtain: Maurice Sendak’s Designs for Opera and Ballet, as they explore the life and work of beloved author and illustrator Maurice Sendak.

Kushner and Sendak were longtime friends and creative collaborators who shared a profound appreciation for art, literature, and theater. In 2004, Kushner wrote and Sendak illustrated the award-winning children’s book Brundibar, adapted from a 1938 Czech opera for children. In this intimate discussion, Kushner will explore the artists that sparked Sendak’s iconic characters and his uniquely imaginative and playful approach to designs for opera and ballet.

Just added! Gregory Maguire, author of the best-selling "Wicked" and founder of Children’s Literature New England, will offer a special welcome at this event. "[Sendak] is a muse to three generations of artists," said Maguire recently, "not only to children's book artists... but, yes, especially to us."

Join us after the discussion for a book signing. Copies of Brundibar and The Art of Maurice Sendak by Tony Kushner will be available for purchase at Gift at the Gardner.

Please note: Proof of vaccination status and face masks are required for programs in Calderwood Hall.

Advanced tickets are required and include Museum admission.

Adults $20, seniors $18, students $13, free for members and children 17 and under.

• Reserve your ticket online by clicking the RESERVE YOUR TICKETS button above. Handling charges apply.
• By calling the box office at 617 278 5156, Wednesday-Monday, 10 am-4 pm. Handling charges apply.
• In-person: Visit the Museum and purchase at the door, Wednesday-Monday, 11 am-4:30 pm

Please note: While the City of Boston’s vaccination and mask mandates are lifted for general museum visits, the Gardner maintains its proof of vaccination and mask requirements for free and ticketed events in Calderwood Hall. Please visit the Know Before You Go web page for additional information, including accepted forms of documentation, or contact the Box Office at 617 278 5156 for further assistance.

Seating in Calderwood Hall is open within each seating level, and is first come, first served. To request accessible or wheelchair seating please call the box office at 617 278 5156. Seating begins 45 minutes before the performance. Once the performance begins, seating is not guaranteed.