75 Years of Wonder: Fairyland’s Legacy Comes to Life at OMCA
Oakland is a city rich in stories—and some of its most enduring have been told behind a whimsical set of gates near Lake Merritt. For 75 years, Children’s Fairyland has been a cornerstone of childhood wonder, a place where dragons talk, stories come alive, and kids are invited to dream boldly. Now, as the beloved park marks its milestone anniversary, it does so hand in hand with another Oakland treasure: the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA).
Together, these two iconic institutions have launched “Fairyland @ 75: A Legacy of Magic”, a feature installation now on view at OMCA that honors the past, celebrates the present, and imagines the future of America’s first storybook-themed amusement park.
Opened in 1950, Fairyland was the first park of its kind in the United States—a whimsical place built just for children, where imagination led the way. With attractions like the Magic Key-operated story boxes and the Jolly Trolly, generations of Bay Area families have passed through its enchanted pathways. Over the decades, Fairyland has remained steadfast in its mission: to encourage creativity, storytelling, and joyful exploration for children of all backgrounds.
It’s fitting that OMCA, itself an Oakland cultural landmark, would host the celebration of Fairyland’s 75-year legacy. The collaboration between the two institutions isn’t just about a shared zip code—it’s a reflection of their deep-rooted dedication to the people of Oakland, especially families and children. OMCA has long served as a gathering space for learning, culture, and conversation, making it the perfect partner to help tell Fairyland’s story in a new, immersive way. On view through December 7, 2025, the Fairyland @ 75 feature transforms part of OMCA into a vibrant homage to Fairyland’s past and present. Visitors will find a curated timeline tracing Fairyland’s evolution, rare artifacts, a rotating collection of Magic Keys, charming handcrafted miniatures by local artists, including an original by Ruth Asawa, and even one of the original Jolly Trolly cars—inviting families to climb aboard and imagine the magical rides of yesteryear.
This isn’t just a walk down memory lane; it’s a celebration of what happens when creativity and community come together. Whether it’s through the “Then & Now” comparisons or the beautifully detailed memorabilia, every piece in the exhibit underscores the lasting impact Fairyland has had on generations of Oaklanders. The exhibition debuted during the opening of the 2025 season of Friday Nights at OMCA, a community-centered weekly event featuring food, music, and family-friendly activities—a perfect setting to launch this tribute to imagination and inclusion. Visitors of all ages came and experienced the joy, nostalgia, and magic that Fairyland continues to inspire.
As Kymberly Miller, CEO of Children’s Fairyland, put it: “We’re thrilled to partner with another Oakland institution, OMCA, to celebrate Fairyland’s incredible journey and its enduring role in Oakland’s cultural landscape.”
And Lori Fogarty, OMCA’s CEO and Director, echoed the sentiment: “Fairyland is a joyful exemplar of Oakland’s vitality… We are thrilled to host this installation and to partner with our neighbor and beloved cultural anchor.”
This collaboration is more than an exhibit—it’s a shared love letter to Oakland. It honors the generations who’ve grown up with Fairyland and looks ahead to the ones who still will. And in doing so, it reaffirms both Fairyland and OMCA’s commitment to fostering joy, creativity, and belonging for everyone who walks through their doors.
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