Snoopy and the Red Baron

Charles Schulz introduced Snoopy as the World War I Flying Ace in 1965, and over the decades the Flying Ace has become one of Snoopy’s most recognizable personas. This traveling exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, titled Snoopy and the Red Baron, tells the full story of the charismatic and beloved character, from the origin of the story line, to how Schulz researched all aspects of World War I to bring authenticity to the strips.

Dressed in a leather flying cap, goggles and scarf, Snoopy took to the skies atop of his doghouse, which his imagination transformed into a Sopwith Camel biplane. Throughout the years, Snoopy’s dogfights against the elusive and infamous Red Baron, based on a real German flying ace named Manfred von Richthofen, captured readers hearts and imaginations. As their aerial battles raged on, Snoopy could often be seen waving his fist in the air and shouting “Curse you Red Baron!” – a phrase that still lives on in popular culture. The Flying Ace’s debut occurred during a period of resurgence that glamorized WWI aviators in films, radio dramas, novels, and comics.

Though he could not have predicted the popularity of Snoopy’s now famous alter-ego, Schulz knew from the start that he had created something special. “I discovered that I had something good going,” he said, “and I let Snoopy’s imagination go wild.”

Snoopy and the Red Baron brings the full story of the World War I Flying Ace to life. The exhibition will delight fans who grew up with the Ace, and introduce new audiences to Snoopy’s adventures in the sky.