When we hear the name Maurice Sendak, our mind can’t help but to immediately think of his oh so famous picture book Where the Wild Things Are. The Morgan Library & Museum in New York City wants to expand our horizons and knowledge of the artist by presenting an exhibit titled Drawing the Curtain: Maurice Sendak’s Designs for Opera and Ballet.

The exhibit, which runs from June 14 – October 6, 2019, features works by Sendak that focus on designs created for opera and ballet. Most specifically in the ballet arena are his more macabre visions of The Nutcracker which capture the darker side of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s tale. If you’re unable to visit them in person, scroll below to see his sketches from a few of the ballet’s iconic scenes. At the very end, there’s also a video covering more details about how Sendak’s love for music and opera seemed a natural fit for his work as a set and costume designer.

Source: The Morgan Library & Museum