Nearly 300 artifacts from 90 years of Disney history will appear in an exhibition at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago beginning October 16, 2013 (the 90th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company), and running through February 17, 2014.
Tickets will go on sale at msichicago.org on September 4, 2013.
Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives highlights the creative accomplishments and innovations of Walt Disney, a Chicago native son, and the company that bears his name.
“The Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives showcases the creativity and innovation that has defined Disney for 90 years,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re proud of this heritage, and we are very pleased to share this rare glimpse into our rich history with Chicago’s world-renowned Museum of Science and Industry.”
The exhibition will feature many rarely-seen artifacts such as drawings, props, costumes, artwork from classic Disney animation, theme park attractions, TV shows and live action films, as well as items from contemporary Disney milestones.
Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives promises to not be just another static, look and read, “don’t touch” museum exhibition. Hands-on, interactive stations will bring Disney technological breakthroughs in animation and motion pictures to life. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to try their luck at recording sound effects for a film, discover the workings of Disney’s innovative MultiPlane film camera and try their hand at drawing Disney characters in the Animation Academy.
“Through this exhibit we’re pleased to showcase Walt Disney as both a master storyteller and an impressive innovator whose creative legacy continues to inspire people of all ages,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. “Guests will be immersed in Walt Disney’s ‘can do’ spirit, optimistic outlook and never-ending curiosity that propelled him through his impressive career. This spirit continues to be the creative inspiration behind many of the incredible experiences created by Disney today.”
This impressive collection of artifacts will include:
- Clips from some of Walt Disney’s earliest animated works, before there was a Mickey.
- The original script for the 1928 cartoon short Steamboat Willie, which introduced movie theater audiences to Mickey Mouse for the very first time, written by Walt Disney.
- A partial recreation of Walt Disney’s formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., including original furnishings and many of his personal items.
- Hand-drawn artwork, hand-sculpted models and props used in the production of some of Disney’s renowned animated features, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty.
- A recreation of a working animator’s office from the Disney Studios featuring authentic animator’s furniture, and models.
- Animation models and artwork from contemporary Disney animation film hits, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Aladdin.
- Props from classic Disney live-action films, including Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Rocketeer, The Princess Diaries, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Enchanted.
- A special area of the exhibition dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the release of Mary Poppins, with film clips, interviews with the movie’s creators and rare behind-the-scenes photos.
- A salute to Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida, showcasing artwork, Audio-Animatronics characters, and memorabilia from such popular attractions as It’s a Small World, Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, and The Hall of Presidents, as well as early plans and correspondence for Walt Disney’s vision of Epcot.
Regular museum admission does not include this special exhibition. An additional timed-entry ticket, which is priced at $9 for adults and seniors, and $7 for children ages 3-11, will be required. D23 Gold and Silver members will receive a special discount on exhibit admission.
The exhibition, presented by D23 will run through February 17, 2014.