'Alice in Wonderland' comes to Dilworth Park

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the publication of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," the Rosenbach Museum has been hosting themed events for all ages, including exhibit walk-throughs and last month's Mad Hatter Tea Party. This month, they'll host a special croquet game, just like the wacky one found in the novel, at Dilworth Park.

The game will be inspired by the book's kooky croquet scene, in which flamingoes are used as mallets and hedgehogs take the place of croquet balls. Classic characters, like Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts, will all join the players and spectators as Dilworth is transformed into a rose garden. Other themed activities - which the Rosenbach refers to as "Carrolean" in reference to author Lewis Carroll - will take place, including a reading nook and contests. 

Try your hand at this quirky sport, then join the Rosenbach's special Alice-themed exhibit, "Down the Rabbit Hole." Open Wednesday, Oct. 14, through Sunday, May 15, the exhibit explores the impact of Carroll's novel, its connection to Philadelphia and Carroll's love of riddles and puzzles. During its opening week, the author's original illustrated manuscript will be on view, too, on loan from the British Library. 

Croquet in Wonderland