Exploring Calvin and Hobbes
An exclusive opportunity! This is the first time Bill Watterson’s original Calvin and Hobbes artwork is being offered to museums as a traveling exhibition.
Traveling
From Bill Watterson
I think comics are something like folk art—sometimes breathtakingly kitschy, sometimes kooky and charming, and once in a while, as interesting and significant as any “fine art.”
Bill Watterson
About the Exhibit
Exploring Calvin and Hobbes revisits the beloved comic strip created by Bill Watterson from 1985 to 1995. This exhibit explores his mastery of the comic strip art form through engaging characters, thoughtful writing and creative layouts. Calvin and Hobbes appeared in 2,400 newspapers worldwide at the height of its popularity. Watterson won the National Cartoonists Society’s prestigious Reuben Award for “Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year” in both 1986 and 1988.
Six-year-old Calvin, named after the 16th-century theologian John Calvin, has a vivid imagination; an aversion to homework, chores and girls; and a penchant for discussing the meaning of life. Hobbes, named for the 17th-century British philosopher Thomas Hobbes, appears to most of the strips’ characters as a stuffed animal, but from Calvin’s perspective, he is a living, breathing—sometimes even dangerous—tiger. He’s also a best friend, a playmate, a co-conspirator and occasionally the voice of reason. The strip follows the two as they navigate the bumpy ride of life.
The exhibition will feature original Calvin and Hobbes daily and Sunday strips as well as specialty pieces by Watterson from his collection of more than 3,000 originals housed at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum at The Ohio State University. It also includes original art by cartoonists who influenced Watterson, chosen by the artist from the BICLM’s collection, such as Charles Schulz, George Herriman, Jim Borgman, Berkeley Breathed, Garry Trudeau, and Ralph Steadman.
Exploring Calvin and Hobbes will delight fans of the strip, which still remains popular with readers of all ages.
This Exhibition was organized by The Ohio State University Libraries’ Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, and curated by Jenny E. Robb, Head Curator of Comics and Cartoon Art.
Exhibit Details
Exploring Calvin and Hobbes is available starting June 2026
- 133 framed original strips and paintings
- Examples of the artist’s tools
- 9 framed original cartoons that inspired Watterson
- Exhibition text and labels provided digitally
- Color wall decals provided digitally
Marketing Packet
- With suggested press release, digital images
Registrars Packet
- Final checklist, digital condition reports, packing list & instructions, and installation guide
Please contact for more information
- Travels in crates
- Exhibitor responsible for shipping costs
- Rental Period: 3 or 6 months
- Recommended Size: 1,500-2,500 square feet (about 200 running feet of artwork)
- Insurance coverage required
- A Standard Facilities Report is required for consideration.
- Certificate of Insurance for the exhibition is required.
- Environmental Requirements
- Relative humidity maintained in the range of 50% ±5%.
- Stable temperatures between 65°F and 75°F.
- Ability to control lighting to appropriate levels based on media.
- Security and Safety Requirements
- Must have professionally trained staff.
- 24-hour security monitoring.
- Fire-protection protocols.
- High value, fragile or complicated traveling exhibitions may require specified lighting/humidity/temperature requirements, additional safety and security requirements, couriers and/or supervision of installation.
- Borrowing institutions pay a rental fee, are responsible for insurance and round-trip shipping.
Exploring Calvin and Hobbes: An Exhibition Catalog
This beautiful companion book features an in-depth interview with Bill Watterson and is available through the publisher.