CU Art Museum Showcases Fairy Tale Influence

Exhibit explores how classic stories shape culture across time and place

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The University of Colorado Art Museum is debuting a new exhibition called "Fairy Tales and the Power of Wonder: Imagining Worlds" that explores the enduring cultural significance of fairy tales. The show, curated by Suzanne Magnanini, features works from the museum's collection that bring to life classic and lesser-known fairy tale stories, characters, and landscapes. The exhibit will run through May and aims to highlight how these timeless narratives mirror stages of human development and growth.

Why it matters

Fairy tales have long captivated audiences across cultures and generations, serving as reflections of the human experience. This exhibition provides an opportunity for visitors to consider how these imaginative stories have shaped art, literature, and our collective understanding of the world around us.

The details

The exhibition features illustrations, books, and maps that reimagine well-known fairy tale scenes and landscapes, as well as depictions of the fantastical creatures that populate these narratives. Curated by Suzanne Magnanini of CU Boulder's Department of French and Italian, the show is complemented by a student-curated exhibit called "[Face] Value" that examines portraiture through unconventional lenses.

  • The exhibition will open with a free public reception on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • Fairy Tales and the Power of Wonder: Imagining Worlds will run through May 2026.

The players

Suzanne Magnanini

Curator of the Fairy Tales and the Power of Wonder: Imagining Worlds exhibition and faculty member in the Department of French and Italian at CU Boulder.

Rebecca Davis

Provided additional curatorial support for the Fairy Tales and the Power of Wonder: Imagining Worlds exhibition in the Division of Arts and Humanities at CU.

Hope Saska

Director of the CU Art Museum, highlighting the importance of integrating academic research and student scholarship into public programming.

CU Art Museum

The University of Colorado Art Museum, which is debuting the Fairy Tales and the Power of Wonder: Imagining Worlds exhibition.

CU Museum of Natural History

Coordinating displays with the CU Art Museum's Fairy Tales and the Power of Wonder: Imagining Worlds exhibition.

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What they’re saying

“The protagonists are almost always young people heading out into the world, much like our students. Leaving home behind, having to make their way in the world, facing challenges. That experience can be transformational.”

— Suzanne Magnanini, Curator, Department of French and Italian, CU Boulder (longmontleader.com)

“The collaboration between the two exhibitions allows viewers to consider art and narrative in conversation with one another. It deepens engagement and fosters dialogue across disciplines.”

— Hope Saska, Director, CU Art Museum (longmontleader.com)

What’s next

The Fairy Tales and the Power of Wonder: Imagining Worlds exhibition will be open to the public through May 2026.

The takeaway

This exhibition at the CU Art Museum provides a unique opportunity to explore how the timeless narratives of fairy tales have shaped art, literature, and our collective understanding of the world. By bringing together works that reimagine classic stories and characters, the show invites visitors to consider the enduring cultural significance of these imaginative tales.