Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives is headed to Chicago!
The exhibition, which encompasses nearly 300 artifacts from nine decades of Disney history, opens at the Museum of Science and Industry on October 16 – the actual 90th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.
Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives’ successful run at the Ronald Reagan Library & Museum wrapped up earlier this year. And now it’s getting even bigger!
In addition to drawings, props, costumes and artwork, the exhibition will feature hands-on, interactive stations that will bring Disney technological breakthroughs in animation and motion pictures to life. Guests can try their luck in recording sound effects for a film, explore the wonders of Disney’s revolutionary “Multiplane” film camera, and even learn to draw some of their favorite Disney characters in an Animation Academy.
There are so many items that it’s hard to say which are my favorites, but a couple of them include, the original script, written by Walt Disney and illustrated by Ub Iwerks, for the 1928 cartoon short Steamboat Willie—which introduced movie theater audiences to Mickey Mouse for the very first time—and a special area dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the release of Mary Poppins.
Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, the exhibit is something you won’t want to miss as it truly showcases the creative accomplishments and innovations of one of Chicago’s native sons, Walt Disney, and the ongoing legacy of the company that bears his name.
Curating exhibits like this is one of the many roles of our team at the Walt Disney Archives. Part of preserving the magic (as we like to say) involves safeguarding the most treasured items from Disney’s history and then sharing them with the world!
For more information about the exhibit, including ticket information, visit WaltDisneyArchives.com.