Last week we highlighted some of San Diego's greatest achievements in architecture, including the stunning Geisel Library on UC San Diego's campus, named after Theodor Seuss Geisel, also known as Dr. Seuss. Last week. Dr. Seuss also made the news when one of his lost books, thought to have been written between 1958 and 1962, was published. It's been 25 years since the last Seuss book was published (the iconic "Oh the Places You'll Go!"in 1990), so you can imagine the excitement when "What Pet Should I Get?" was released. In honor of one of La Jolla's most famous residents, we're delving into the magical world of Dr. Seuss and San Diego.
For anyone who was charmed by the stories and illustrations of Dr. Seuss, a stop inside the Geisel Library, should be your first stop. Unlike a lot of universities, non-students are allowed inside the building and there are pieces of his art on display on the second story. Stop by the main desk when you enter and the helpful staff will point out where his artwork is located and offer some fun facts about Dr.Seuss. Do not miss a photo op with the larger than life bronze statue of Dr. Seuss and one of his most popular and mischievous characters, the Cat in the Hat. Sculptor Lark GreyDimond-Cates perfectly captured Geisel as the visionary who would change and shape children's literature all over the world.
Mark your calendars now for a return visit to UCSD on March 2nd, for the annual celebration of Dr. Seuss' actual birthday. If you stop by the Geisel Library on that date you'll find an entertaining party honoring his characters, with music, cake, and special exhibits in the library. Fun fact: Geisel gave the commencement address to the graduating class of UCSD in 1978, and in true Dr.Seuss form, he spoke in rhyming verse.
Geisel and his wife purchased a Mediterranean home on Mount Soledad over looking La Jolla in 1948, and his widow Audrey still lives there today. It was here, in his studio, that he doodled and painted and scribbled on manuscripts that would become some of his greatest published works.
It's easy to see how his surroundings influenced his work, as you can see from this 1978 photo of the Geisel's living room and his painting entitled, Lion Stroll. One of his authorized galleries, Legends Gallery, juxtaposed these two images and the similarities are obvious. Exotic trees, bathed in a glowing light from a setting set, are a striking image against a golden sky. It's clear San Diego was one of his muses.
For a closer look at some of his pieces of art, Legends Gallery of La Jolla is a must-see for any Dr. Seuss fan. Everyone is familiar with his drawings of the Cat in the Hat or the Lorax, but this gallery offers some never before seen oil paintings that are true testaments to Geisel's genius. Legends is located in the heart of La Jolla Village, steps from the ocean, and is open seven days a week.
For even more 'Seussical' fun, check out the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park, for the crowd-pleasing 'Ingenious! the World of Dr. Seuss" exhibit, running through the end of the year. Rarely seen work, interactive displays, family-friendly activities, are just part of the reason that this traveling exhibition has been so popular. There are also two newly released Geisel illustrations that haven't been seen before and work of art inspired by locations in San Diego.
Theodor Geisel was a visionary who changed the course of children's literature forever, and he was a San Diego local. Mission Bay Vacation Rentals has some gorgeous homes close to La Jolla, where all the Seuss magic happened. You could go close to the bay or maybe the sandy shores is where you'll want to stay?
