Bob the Builder at Fresno's Met Museum | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Friday, June 19, 2009

Fresno, CA This exhibit is for kid's preschool to eight years old. It comes at a shaky financial time for the museum. Now administrators are hoping this fictional character can build a foundation for a sound future.

Ask any kid Bob the Builders' slogan-- "can we fix it" --the likely response is yes we can!

Sarah Vargas said, "Bob is major name recognition. There are lots of excited preschoolers all over the city."

The Met Museum is will soon display an interactive hands on exhibit of the claymation cartoon character. Candice Pendergrass says this exhibit focuses on kids, the Mets largest audience.

Candice Pendergrass said, "This is a way to bring more kids into the museum and grow them into a lifelong museum visitor."

Which hopefully translates to more program participation, more memberships, and more money for the museum.

This entire exhibit is designed to be a learning experience for every hard hat wearing Bob the Builder fan. The Met expects 35 thousand visitors for this exhibit alone and they hope to expand those numbers.

"We want to appeal to entire families," said Vargas.

The Met is facing major financial trouble. It is unable to repay the city of Fresno $15 million dollars. Museum administrators are hopeful this exhibit is the first step to turning things around.

"The economy is definitely something that is on our minds daily," said Pendergrass.

The Bob the Builder exhibit will cost $70 thousand dollars.

"The rental fee for exhibit ... there is a little bit of shipping fees we try to offset that with sponsorships and as people come to see it that helps us also," said Pendergrass.

The exhibit opens this Saturday June 20th and goes through September 27th. On opening day visitors can look forward to games and food from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.