Eaton's Fairytale Vignettes
Visitors can explore fifteen classic fairytale and nursery rhyme vignettes containing more than 300 pieces, including Cinderella, Humpty Dumpty, and Three Blind Mice. Each display features a storybook-shaped interpretation panel where guests can read the story associated with the scene. The collection also includes animatronic woodland characters inspired by The Woodland Nutcracker.
What to Expect
Historic holiday fairytale display originally from Winnipeg's Eaton's department store.
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
The Forks
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Manitoba Children's Museum
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and fans of classic fairytales
Vibe
Nostalgic and storybook-like
Energy Level
Low
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
None
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Free with general museum admission. – Get tickets
Tips & Advice
- Stop at the storybook-shaped panel beside each of the fifteen vignettes so kids can read along with the story the scene shows.
- Bring older family members along, since this is the Eaton's ninth floor annex display that Manitobans of all ages remember fondly.
- Look for the six animatronic woodland bears from The Woodland Nutcracker, which were part of the Eaton's holiday display in its last year.
- Watch the museum's #MuseumMondays playlist on YouTube before or after your visit to learn more about the display's history and restoration.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which fairytales are in the display?
There are fifteen: Cinderella, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Hansel and Gretel, Humpty Dumpty, Little Red Riding Hood, Old Mother Hubbard, Rub-A-Dub-Dub Three Men in a Tub, Rumpelstiltskin and Sleeping Beauty. The rest are Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, The Elves and the Shoemaker, The Emperor and the Nightingale, The Little Match Girl, The Owl and the Pussycat and Three Blind Mice.
Is this the original Eaton's display?
Yes. It's the last original Eaton's Fairytale Vignettes display from the ninth floor annex of the downtown Eaton's store. It came to the Children's Museum in 1999, and heritage conservationists have restored it several times since.
Who is it for?
Visitors of all ages. It has been a Winnipeg holiday tradition for over 40 years, and Manitobans of every generation remember it fondly.
Are there any newer pieces?
Yes. In 2018 the City of Winnipeg donated six animatronic woodland characters from The Woodland Nutcracker by Avril Tyrrell. They are Mama Grizzly, the flamenco-dancing bears Paco and Rosa, Queen Ursa Major, and two ursine Nutcracker Soldiers.
How do visitors follow the stories?
Each vignette has its own storybook-shaped panel where you can read the story it shows.
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