In celebration of the 50th anniversary year of the beloved children's book From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg, The Met presents an afternoon of activities that will take place throughout the Museum. The Met is an inspiring place, and Konigsburg's two lead characters, young Claudia and Jamie, let their imaginations lead them on an adventure of a lifetime as they explore galleries from Egyptian Art to Greek and Roman Art, and everywhere in between.
In that same spirit, 50 years later, we invite visitors to spend an afternoon engaging with the collection and spaces, and to retrace Claudia and Jamie's night at the Museum.
11 am and 2 pm
Free with Museum admission; first come, first served
During this special hour-long tour, families can discover favorite works of art from the book as you look and learn together with a Museum educator. Stops on the tour will include the marble sarcophagus with garlands and the myth of Theseus and Ariadne in the Greek and Roman Art gallery where Claudia may have hid her violin case, and the tester bed (lit à la duchesse en impériale) in the European Sculpture and Decorative Arts galleries, much like the bed on which she wished to spend the night (galleries and time permitting).
Complete a social media scavenger hunt for your chance to win a copy of From The Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg.
To enter, find 5 of the 10 works listed below in galleries located throughout The Met and take a photo with each. Post your images to Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter using the hashtag #MixedUpMetContest. If you’re under 13, have a parent or guardian post photos for you to their Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to enter. The first 50 individuals to visit our Great Hall Box Office on Saturday July 15th from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. EST must show a box office staff member all 5 posted photos to receive a copy of the book courtesy of Simon & Schuster, while supplies last. One entry per person. No purchase necessary, approximate retail value of each prize is $10.
#MixedUpMetContest Locations (Find any five):
Recreate the book's iconic cover in the Great Hall. Don't forget to use #MixedUpMet.
In the American Wing Café, treat yourself to a creatively designed Mixed-up Files book cookie, available for purchase beginning at 10:00 a.m. while supplies last.
Bring your Met memories home with you. From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg is available in the Main Store.
A special early printing of the book will be on view in The Met’s Nolen Library on the Ground Floor in the Ruth and Harold D. Uris Center for Education. The library is open from 12:00 to 5:00 pm.
Dive into the beloved book with this video #MetKids—Can We Talk about the Mixed-up Files and The Met?
