55 years after its release, The Aristocats remains the first of its kind as a Disney animated feature made without Walt Disney’s comprehensive involvement. But Walt did make some important contributions to the film before his sudden passing in 1966.
On view mid-August–October 2025
To celebrate the release of our new book, Walt Disney Treasures: Personal Art and Artifacts from The Walt Disney Family Museum, we are displaying rare and unique objects from the collection that are also featured in the book. Some of the artifacts showcased in the book and here have never been seen by the public. These objects will be on view for free in the museum’s Awards Lobby and will rotate periodically through the beginning of 2025. The next installation in this series celebrates the significant contributions of Lillian Disney.
A new personalized decorative window on Main Street, U.S.A. honoring Lillian Disney and her contributions to Disneyland was unveiled in a private ceremony on July 13, 2025—which would have been Walt and Lillian Disney’s 100th wedding anniversary. One of the highest honors at The Walt Disney Company, the tradition of honoring individuals with a window on Main Street, U.S.A. was started by Walt Disney himself and continues today at Disney Parks worldwide.
In recent decades, many children of Walt Disney’s close collaborators have shared cherished memories of growing up at The Walt Disney Studios, wandering the hallways of the Animation Building, and exploring the backlot and soundstages. Others recall the halls and workshops of the WED Enterprises facilities where Audio-Animatronics® figures were brought to life for theme park attractions.
There is an all-new gallery experience in the lobby at the Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A. called "Evolution of a Dream,” celebrating 70 years of Disneyland’s history. This exhibit showcases some never-before-seen artwork and artifacts highlighting early Disneyland merchandise, the groundbreaking history of Audio-Animatronics® technology, and a tribute to Cast Members who brought Walt's dream to life over the past seven decades.
In honor of Disneyland’s 70th anniversary, a brand-new attraction “Walt Disney – A Magical Life,” opens at the Opera House on Main Street, U.S.A on July 17, 2025. This exciting experience offers an immersive look at the man who led the charge with innovative Audio-Animatronics® technology. Debuting alongside this new attraction is “Evolution of a Dream,” an exhibit featuring more than 30 of Walt’s personal artifacts on loan from The Walt Disney Family Museum. Together at Disneyland, they share Walt’s inspiring story like never before.
On view June–Early August, 2025
To celebrate the release of our new book, Walt Disney Treasures: Personal Art and Artifacts from The Walt Disney Family Museum, we are displaying rare and unique objects from the collection that are also featured in the book. Some of the artifacts showcased in the book and here have never been seen by the public. These objects will be on view for free in the museum’s Awards Lobby and will rotate periodically through the beginning of 2025. The next installation in this series celebrates the significant contributions of Harper Goff.
In 1923, Walt and Roy O. Disney established the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio with no fanfare and limited prospects. 10 years later, the situation was entirely the opposite. The Walt Disney Studios—as it was then known—had become the premier animation house in the United States, attracting talent from around the world, and elevating the art form from what had been a limited novelty into a major facet of world cinema.
On view May–June 2025.
To celebrate the release of our new book, Walt Disney Treasures: Personal Art and Artifacts from The Walt Disney Family Museum, we are displaying rare and unique objects from the collection that are also featured in the book. Some of the artifacts showcased in the book and here have never been seen by the public. These objects will be on view for free in the museum’s Awards Lobby and will rotate periodically through the beginning of 2025. The next installation in this series celebrates Walt's lifelong love of trains.
Overture
The year is 1935. America is mid-way through the Great Depression. The Dust Bowl is devastating the prairies. A war-weary world, whether aware or not, is a few short years from one of its greatest crises. Mickey Mouse, a black-and-white cartoon icon, is about to face the music, in more ways than one.