The Mr. Dressup exhibit Pickering residents and visitors can experience at the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre is celebrating the life, career and local legacy of beloved Canadian children’s entertainer Ernie Coombs.
Titled “Ernie Coombs is Mr. Dressup,” the exhibition is being presented at the John E. Anderson Exhibit Gallery inside the new Pickering community and heritage centre.
The exhibit will remain open until Sept. 25, giving fans of the long-running children’s television program several more weeks to explore memorabilia and learn more about the man behind one of Canada’s most recognizable television characters.
For generations of Canadians who grew up watching “Mr. Dressup,” the exhibition provides an opportunity to reconnect with the creativity and characters that helped make the program a television favourite.
Exhibit Celebrates Ernie Coombs’ Legacy
Ernie Coombs became a household name through “Mr. Dressup,” which aired on CBC from 1967 until 1996.
The children’s program entertained generations through storytelling, drawing, crafts, costumes and memorable characters, including the beloved puppets Casey and Finnegan.
Coombs also developed an important connection with Durham Region.
He lived in Pickering from 1970 until 2001, and the exhibition highlights not only his television career but also his years as a member of the local community.
Visitors are taken through different stages of Coombs’ story, beginning with his life in Maine in the United States and continuing through his arrival in Canada, television career, years in Pickering and lasting cultural legacy.
Original Artwork, Puppets and Props on Display
One of the main attractions of the Mr. Dressup exhibit Pickering is its collection of material connected to Coombs and his television career.
The exhibition includes never-before-seen artwork from Coombs’ personal collection as well as puppets and props associated with the television show.
Visitors can also watch exclusive behind-the-scenes footage offering another perspective on the production and history of “Mr. Dressup.”
The curatorial team conducted research and connected with people who knew Coombs while developing the exhibition. His children were also involved in helping collect stories and information about his life.
The result is an exhibition designed to explore both the famous television personality and the person Pickering residents knew away from the screen.
Visitors Can Explore a Recreated Tickle Trunk
The exhibition also includes interactive activities designed for both children and adults.
Visitors can try on replica costumes from a recreated version of the famous Tickle Trunk, one of the most recognizable features of “Mr. Dressup.”
Guests can also participate in a craft activity inspired by the television program.
These interactive elements help recreate some of the imagination and creativity that defined the show throughout its decades on Canadian television.
Pickering Continues to Honour Mr. Dressup
The gallery exhibition is another example of Pickering recognizing Coombs’ connection to the city.
Public artwork depicting Mr. Dressup and characters from the television program was also recently unveiled at East Woodlands Park in Pickering.
Coombs received numerous honours during and after his career, including recognition with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Despite his national profile, his connection to Pickering remained an important part of his personal story.
The exhibition presents that local connection alongside his broader contribution to Canadian children’s entertainment.
Anyone interested in exploring the life and legacy of Ernie Coombs has until Sept. 25 to visit “Ernie Coombs is Mr. Dressup” at the John E. Anderson Exhibit Gallery inside the Dorsay Community & Heritage Centre.
