Words by David Decker.
Stockbridge, MA – There’s magic at play in the Berkshires this summer. Tucked inside the Norman Rockwell Museum, best known for its tribute to America’s beloved illustrator, is a new exhibit that transports visitors into worlds both miniature and massive. I SPY! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders (on display through October 26) is a dazzling celebration of illusion, imagination, and the art of looking closely.
Best known as the photographic force behind the “I Spy” and “Can You See What I See?” book series, Walter Wick has spent decades staging elaborate visual puzzles that have captivated generations of children—and their parents. But what might surprise even long-time fans is just how much artistry, technical precision, and storytelling go into every frame. This exhibition is not only a nostalgic journey through Wick’s most iconic images—it’s a behind-the-scenes exploration of the craftsmanship that brings them to life.
Walter Wick – photo provided by Norman Rockwell Museum
Where Art Meets Illusion
The exhibition opens with some of Wick’s most recognized works—brilliantly colored still life images composed of toys, tools, game pieces – simply everyday objects. These images are printed large, allowing visitors to step in and scan for hidden items. What develops immediately is an instant sense of play. Children whispering guesses to one another, while adults are often just as eager to take up the challenge.
However, as visitors progress, what also emerges is not just visual cleverness, but astonishing artistic discipline. Each image began as a carefully constructed diorama, some of which are on display in their original form. Wick, a trained photo-illustrator, treats each set like a movie scene—lit meticulously, balanced perfectly, and shot with precision. A single one of Wick’s compositions may take as many as several weeks to simply set up due to the highly time-consuming, labor-intensive process associated with such thorough attention to detail throughout every scene. And while they may evoke childlike wonder, make no mistake – they’re created with the intensity and sophistication of a master visual artist.
Process and Play
The central strength of Hidden Wonders lies in its accessibility. It appeals across age groups, thanks to its blend of fun and technical insight. Families will appreciate the scavenger hunt aspect—each photo panel invites the viewer to search for cleverly concealed objects. But even more engaging are the video installations and process notes, which break down Wick’s working method.
In one video, Wick demonstrates how he sets up shots in his Hartford, Connecticut studio—a converted firehouse filled with bins of materials and shelves of props. Visitors watch as he arranges dozens of tiny objects under studio lights, adjusting angles and shadows, tweaking color and contrast. It’s a revelation: the simple delight of an I Spy book page, it turns out, rests on hours of patient planning.
The museum has also included an interactive zone where visitors can try their hand at building dioramas or composing digital still lifes. This hands-on area, while clearly aimed at younger guests, draws in adults as well—many of whom find renewed appreciation for the delicate dance between construction and photography.
Puss in Boots diorama at the Norman Rockwell Museum (with Walter Wick Image in Background) (July 5, 2025) – photo by David Decker
A Dialogue Between Artists
One of the most compelling aspects of the exhibition is how it places Wick’s work in conversation with Norman Rockwell’s. While their choice of media may differ, both artists share a fascination with storytelling through their images. Both also staged scenes using real-world references. Rockwell’s famed paintings were often preceded by elaborate photo shoots in his studio, using models and props to capture just the right expression, posture, or gesture.
One gallery section pairs Rockwell’s preparatory photos for his 1957 painting “Closing a Summer Cottage” with Wick’s own finished photographs, highlighting how both artists used photographic reference to craft richly detailed visual narratives. The result is a thoughtful exploration of image-making in American culture, past and present.
Highlights and Hidden Gems
Among the exhibition’s highlights are Wick’s seasonal scenes and fantastical constructions. In one image, a winter village is formed entirely from sugar cubes and flour. In another, a haunted house bursts with eerie surprises. Each piece rewards close looking; even repeat visitors are likely to discover new details on second or third viewings.
Especially captivating is a pirate ship, made from marbles, matchsticks, and mechanical parts, sailing on a sea of blue cellophane. It’s whimsical, but also a technical triumph of perspective and composition. The exhibit also includes several of Wick’s large-format prints—some more than five feet across—where nearly every square inch contains its own micro-story.
“Clouds” from I Spy Fantasy 2021 – photo provided by Norman Rockwell Museum
Design and Accessibility
The exhibition design is both family-friendly and respectful of its subject. Galleries are laid out with breathing room between works, allowing visitors to linger. Thoughtful seating areas encourage slow viewing, and the lighting—so essential to appreciating Wick’s detail-rich imagery—is well-balanced throughout.
Accessibility is also well considered. The museum is fully ADA-compliant, with ramp access, wide gallery passages, and available seating. Exhibit text is clearly written and welcoming, with no assumptions about prior familiarity with Wick’s books. Guides for children and educators are available on-site and online.
More Than Nostalgia
While the exhibit will undoubtedly appeal to visitors who grew up with I Spy books, Hidden Wonders goes beyond nostalgia. It offers a compelling reminder of how attention to detail, playfulness, and creative ingenuity can come together in work that is joyful, meaningful, and enduring.
In a digital age where so much visual content is disposable, Wick’s images reward patience and invite curiosity. They ask us to pause, to observe, to search—and ultimately, to see more clearly. This makes the show not just entertaining, but timely.
The Takeaway
Once again, the Norman Rockwell Museum has “hit it out of the park” by hosting an experience that is thought-provoking family fun, just in time for summer vacations!
I SPY! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders is a vibrant, multi-generational experience that celebrates the joy of discovery. It’s smart, immersive, and beautifully executed. Whether you come for the nostalgia, the artistry, or the puzzle-solving fun, you’ll leave with a renewed appreciation for the wonder of the small and the power of paying attention.
If you’re planning a trip to the Berkshires this summer or fall, don’t miss the chance to experience Wick’s magical world up close. It’s a rare exhibition that can make you feel like a kid again—while also inspiring the artist within.
Exhibition Details:
Title: I SPY! Walter Wick’s Hidden Wonders
Dates: Through October 26, 2025
Location: Norman Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale Road, Stockbridge, MA
Admission: Included with general museum entry (special event fees may apply)