McCloskey Wonder Works Museum is preparing to become the nonprofit in residence at Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum.

It will be an 18-month agreement between the two museums beginning May 29. The partnership will feature two exhibitions.

The first one, running May 29 through Nov. 10, will focus on Robert McCloskey, who is a Hamilton native and a famous children’s book author and illustrator. It will feature original sketches, illustrations and personal materials.

It will highlight artwork from “Lentil,” which was set in Hamilton. It was also his first published book. “Lentil and His Dog,” the sculpture done by Nancy Schön, will be temporarily relocated to Pyramid Hill.

The second exhibition, opening in March 2026 and running through the summer, will focus on McCloskey’s passion for environmental conservation. It will also focus on his attention to the small wonders of the natural world and his dedication to draftsmanship and design.

The McCloskey Museum will also play a role in Pyramid Hill’s programming. It will be a part of at least one event in the following series: Family Fun on the Hill, Summer Art Series for Kids, Dog and Donuts, and Ink & Drink.

The McCloskey Museum will be a featured participant in the annual Art Fair Sept. 27 and 28.

It was previously housed inside Heritage Hall at Hamilton’s Municipal Building, and the McCloskey Museum is moving while the building is redeveloped. It is just a temporary residency.

Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and the McCloskey Museum have partnered with the America 250-Ohio Commission to be an official stop on its new Ohio Creativity Trail. The driving trail includes over 100 sites across Ohio and showcases all kinds of artistic expressions.

– Joe Zak