Take part in a museum workshop focusing on aspects of Walt’s legacy such as animation or storytelling.
Fri, Sep 14 | 12:30–12:50pm
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight. For artists of all ages, to learn step-by-step instructions on how to draw an original cartoon character. This month’s theme is presented in conjunction with our daily screening of Cinderella (1950).
Ages 7–17
Sat, Oct 27 | 1–2:30pm
Frank Thomas, one of Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men, was a brilliant animator when it came to conveying the inner emotions of a character. He masterfully harnessed the snobbish personalities and complex mood swings of various Disney villains like Lady Tremaine from Cinderella (1950), the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland (1951) and Captain Hook from Peter Pan (1953). Thomas dramatized each character’s personality by combining a variety of small gestures and grandeur movements. Join us in this workshop, in which you will create your own villain and incorporate design fundamentals like shape language, posture, and silhouette.
Ages 18 & up
September 15 | 10:30am–noon
Milt Kahl, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men and considered by some as the Michelangelo of animation, gave life to unforgettable characters like Pinocchio, Alice, Madam Mim, and Peter Pan. In fact, Kahl quickly became known for his impeccable and realistic design skills, especially when it came to his character’s hands.
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Oct 27 | 10:30am–noon
Frank Thomas, one of Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men, was a brilliant animator when it came to conveying the inner emotions of a character. He masterfully harnessed the snobbish personalities and complex mood swings of various Disney villains like Lady Tremaine from Cinderella (1950), the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland (1951) and Captain Hook from Peter Pan (1953). Thomas dramatized each character’s personality by combining a variety of small gestures and grandeur movements. Join us in this workshop, in which you will create your own villain and incorporate design fundamentals like shape language, posture, and silhouette.
All ages
Fri, Dec 21 | 12:30–12:50pm & 2:30–2:50pm
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight. For artists of all ages, join us in our Learning Center where an instructor will teach you step-by-step instructions on how to draw an original cartoon character.
This...
Grades 9–12 & parents
Sat, Sep 15 | 10:30am–12:30pm
Three decades ago, Walt Disney founded California Institute of the Arts, a private institution for those interested in becoming a part of the arts industry. Over the years, countless art programs and schools have arisen to meet the increasingly high demand of those interested in becoming a part of the entertainment industry. Join us in this informative workshop about the various art schools and colleges, programs, courses, and paths to a career in the animation industry.
Fri, Nov 9 | 12:30–12:50pm & 2:30–2:50pm
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight. For artists of all ages, join us in our Learning Center where an instructor will teach you step-by-step instructions on how to draw an original cartoon character.
Ages 7–17
Sat, Nov 3 | 1–2:30pm
Ollie Johnston, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, animated and helped shape many iconic supporting characters, including Mr. Smee from Peter Pan (1953), the King of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland (1951), and the Stepsisters from Cinderella (1950). In the early stages of a production, Johnston treated “sidekicks” with the upmost respect and identified with the character he was working on. He felt these characters’ emotions would influence how the character would look and move, and by knowing them, he could carefully incorporate these traits into their design. Join us for this hands-on workshop, in which you will learn about proportions, shape, gesture and attitude to create an original sidekick character of your own.
Fri, Dec 14 | 12:30–12:50pm & 2:30–2:50pm
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight. For artists of all ages, join us in our Learning Center where an instructor will teach you step-by-step instructions on how to draw an original cartoon character.
This...
Ages 7–17
September 15 | 1–2:30pm
Milt Kahl, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men and considered by some as the Michelangelo of animation, gave life to unforgettable characters like Pinocchio, Alice, Madam Mim, and Peter Pan. In fact, Kahl quickly became known for his impeccable and realistic design skills, especially when it came to his character’s hands.
All ages
Fri, Oct 26 | 12:30–12:50pm & 2:30–2:50pm
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight. For artists of all ages, join us in our Learning Center where an instructor will teach you step-by-step instructions on how to draw an original cartoon character.
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Nov 3 | 10:30am–noon
Ollie Johnston, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, animated and helped shape many iconic supporting characters, including Mr. Smee from Peter Pan (1953), the King of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland(1951), and the Stepsisters from Cinderella (1950). In the early stages of a production, Johnston treated “sidekicks” with the upmost respect and identified with the character he was working on. He felt these characters’ emotions would influence how the character would look and move, and by knowing them, he could carefully incorporate these traits into their design. Join us for this hands-on workshop, in which you will learn about proportions, shape, gesture and attitude to create an original sidekick character of your own.
All ages
Fri, Nov 16 | 12:30–12:50pm & 2:30–2:50pm
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight. For artists of all ages, join us in our Learning Center where an instructor will teach you step-by-step instructions on how to draw an original cartoon character.
This...
Girl Scout Brownies (Grades 2–3)
Sun, Sep 16 | 10am–noon
Brownies visit The Walt Disney Family Museum to accomplish three of the five steps toward earning an Inventor Badge. In the galleries, they learn about Walt Disney’s Imagineers, who worked at WED Enterprises during the 1950s and ‘60s to imagine, invent, and build some of Disney’s most iconic attractions.
Fri, Oct 12 | 12:30–12:50pm & 2:30–2:50pm
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight. For artists of all ages, join us in our Learning Center where an instructor will teach you step-by-step instructions on how to draw an original cartoon character.
Girl Scout Cadettes (Grades 6–8)
Sun, Nov 18 | 10am—noon
Cadettes connect with animation experts from The Walt Disney Family Museum to learn how Walt encouraged his staff to experiment with special effects to make animation more interesting and realistic, and how the resulting advancements in technology enhanced his classic films. In the Learning Center, experiment in groups with a mini Multiplane Camera, explore how depth is created in animation, and create your own silent stop-motion shorts about the cause of your choice.
Ages 8 to adult
Sun, Sep 16 | 1:30–3:30pm
In 1961, One Hundred and One Dalmatians became the first Disney film to use a new process in animation called Xerography. This new technique allowed for exact reproductions of the animators’ original drawings onto cels, instead of tracing them in ink. Ultimately, this technique also was responsible for the film’s extraordinary look. Experiment with the process of xerography in this hands-on workshop, by creating a caricature of yourself and a pet.
Grades K–4
Sat, Oct 20 | 1–3pm
Designing a character is more than the internal, it is also about representing the character’s personality through costume. In Walt Disney’s TV series Zorro (1957), the lead character Don Diego de la Vega’s iconic mask plays a crucial role to visually represent his metamorphosis into his alter-ego swordsman. Join us for this workshop, in which author, illustrator, and paper engineer Matthew Reinhart will show you how to design a pop-up Halloween mask. Follow along step-by-step as you learn how to use colors and shapes to create a unique mask of your own.
Girl Scout Juniors (Grades 4–5)
Sun, Oct 21 | 10am–noon
Girl Scout Juniors visit The Walt Disney Family Museum to accomplish three of the five steps toward earning a Drawing Badge. In the galleries, observe how drawing was the foundation to Walt Disney’s many animated films from the early 1920s to the late 1960s. In the Learning Center, experiment with different materials to practice various visual effects such as stippling, crosshatching, and smudging. Making your own concept art, backgrounds, and cartoon characters, then showcase your work for other attendees during a concluding group critique.
Ages 18 & up
September 29 | 10:30am–noon
When production began on Alice in Wonderland (1951) in 1946, Walt instantly knew he needed to capture the eccentric lunacy of Wonderland and its residents. He quickly enlisted one of his Nine Old Men, Ward Kimball, for the project. With Ward’s ability to effortlessly make the unreal real, he animated a range of quirky characters, whose bizarre mannerisms added to their unique personalities.
Ages 16 & up
Sun, Dec 2 | 10:30am–12:30pm
In 1939, Walt Disney began production on the animated feature Bambi (1942) and enlisted artist Tyrus Wong to inspire the influential backgrounds used in the film. His minimalist style, specifically in his background concepts, revolutionized the animation art form and continues to be used today. Join visual story artist Patrick O’Keefe, whose work includes the upcoming Sony Pictures Animation film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, as you learn about photo reference, graphic reduction, and simplification to design a digital background of your own.
Sat, Oct 27 | 10am–2pm
Taking a cue from ekphrasis, the Greek word for “description,” tour the core galleries in search of artworks that will be used as the inspiration for an imaginative activity focused on writing and storytelling. In the Learning Center, consider the “action” observed in your chosen art object to write a short poem or description of the piece—a textual exploration that will ultimately amplify the original work’s meaning.
September 29 | 1–2:30pm
When production began on Alice in Wonderland (1951) in 1946, Walt instantly knew he needed to capture the eccentric lunacy of Wonderland and its residents. He quickly enlisted one of his Nine Old Men, Ward Kimball, for the project. With Ward’s ability to effortlessly make the unreal real, he animated a range of quirky characters, whose bizarre mannerisms added to their unique personalities.
Grades 9–12 & parents
Sat, Dec 1 | 10:30am–12:30pm
Walt Disney always encouraged his animators to remain students and to continually learn and improve their craft with every project. Bring your artwork and join us for this informative workshop about how to build a well-rounded portfolio or demo-reel, and cater them to the job or internship you want.
Ages 12 to adult
Sun, Sep 30 | 10:30am–12:30pm
Inktober is a special time of the year for artists, where every day during the month of October participants create and post original artwork onto social media using only ink as their medium. This class will have you create your own Inktober piece, provide helpful lessons about committing to your initial designs and creative instincts, and allow you to experiment with various drawing tools.
Ages 7 to adult
Sun, Dec 9 | 10:30am–12:30pm
Aside from creating unforgettable animated films, Walt Disney also had a deep-rooted passion for miniatures. In fact, Walt built a miniature train around his Los Angeles home in 1950. Join us this holiday season to learn how to create winter jar dioramas that can be used as decoration in your home.
Ages 7 to adult
Sun, Oct 7 | 10:30am–12:30pm
After the success of Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney wanted to diversify his art form and create an experimental animated series called Silly Symphonies. The first of these animation shorts was The Skeleton Dance (1929), in which skeletons joyfully dance throughout a graveyard. This month, celebrate skeletons and Dia de Los Muertos by learning about the history behind the traditional Mexican holiday and then make a festive Day of the Dead wreath.
Fri, Aug 17 | 12:30–12:50pm
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight. For artists of all ages, learn step-by-step instructions on how to draw an original cartoon character.
Ages 7–17
Sat, Dec 15 | 1–2:30pm
In 1954, Walt Disney began construction on a long-awaited dream, Disneyland. The project required a new team of creatives to makes his vision into a reality. Walt chose one of his Nine Old Men, animator Marc Davis, to help develop many of the theme parks characters and attraction designs. In fact, Davis became responsible for designs in Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and updates to Jungle Cruise, to name a few. In this workshop, explore character styling by studying designs that center around theme, environment, and time period to then create a character of your own.
Ages 7–Adult
Daily, Dec 16–29,
except Tuesdays & Dec 19, 24, & 25 | 1–3pm
except Tuesdays & Dec 19, 24, & 25 | 1–3pm
The Artist Studio is geared toward adults and children ages 7 and up. Exploring the world of animation, guests can step into our Learning Center to discover aspects of stop-motion and specific techniques. Our studio staff will be present to support, encourage, and inspire students to grab some paper...
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Aug 18 | 10:30am–noon
Eric Larson, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, was the animator behind the some of Disney’s most memorable flight sequences. From the graceful Pegasus in Fantasia (1940), to Peter and the Darling children soaring over London in Peter Pan (1953), Larson had the impeccable ability to animate any creature.
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Dec 15 | 10:30am–noon
In 1954, Walt Disney began construction on a long-awaited dream, Disneyland. The project required a new team of creatives to makes his vision into a reality. Walt chose one of his Nine Old Men, animator Marc Davis, to help develop many of the theme parks characters and attraction designs. In fact, Davis became responsible for designs in Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, and updates to Jungle Cruise, to name a few. In this workshop, explore character styling by studying designs that center around theme, environment, and time period to then create a character of your own.
Ages 18 & up
Sun, Aug 18 | 10:30am–12:30pm
Walt Disney held many titles during his career—award-winner, innovator, filmmaker—but above all else, he was a master storyteller. From animation to live-action features, Walt believed it was crucial to tell a good story.
Ages 7–17
Sat, Dec 1 | 1–2:30pm
John Lounsbery, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, animated some of the most eccentric and temperamental Disney characters to date, including the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland (1951) and George Darling in Peter Pan (1953). Lounsbery used over-the-top acting and dramatic staging in his animation to truly capitalize on his character’s quirky personalities. Join us for this hands-on workshop, in which we delve into animation principles like staging, squash, stretch, and exaggeration to animate a bold personality.
Ages 3–6
Daily, Dec 16–29,
except Tuesdays & Dec 19, 24, & 25 | 10am–noon
except Tuesdays & Dec 19, 24, & 25 | 10am–noon
The Art Playground is for families with children ages 3 to 6. In our Learning Center, children will learn about Walt Disney’s Mary Poppins and the simple techniques of character design. Using their imagination, they will apply their new skills to create their own felted penguin. Our studio staff...
Ages 7–17
Sat, Aug 18 | 1–2:30pm
Eric Larson, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, was the animator behind the some of Disney’s most memorable flight sequences. From the graceful Pegasus in Fantasia (1940), to Peter and the Darling children soaring over London in Peter Pan (1953), Larson had the impeccable ability to animate any creature.
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Dec 1 | 10:30am–noon
John Lounsbery, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, animated some of the most eccentric and temperamental Disney characters to date, including the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland (1951) and George Darling in Peter Pan (1953). Lounsbery used over-the-top acting and dramatic staging in his animation to truly capitalize on his character’s quirky personalities. Join us for this hands-on workshop, in which we delve into animation principles like staging, squash, stretch, and exaggeration to animate a bold personality.
Ages 10 to adult
Sun, Aug 19 | 10:30am–12:30pm
In 1936, Walt Disney felt that Mickey Mouse needed to return to the public eye and planned to feature him in a short piece called “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”. The thought to expand the project into a feature film that combined animation and classical compositions led to what we now know as Fantasia (1940).
Ages 7–17
Sat, Nov 17 | 1–2:30pm
Les Clark, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, served as an animator for countless Disney classics and was well known for his iconic work animating Mickey Mouse in the Fantasia (1940) segment “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” In fact, Clark extensively studied the movement of cloth and drapery in order to create a believably natural sorcerer robe for Mickey. Join us for this workshop about the foundations of drawing drapery—using charcoal and newsprint, learn about shape, form, and weight while drawing from still-life.
Educators
Sat, Sep 8 | 10am–12:30pm
Enjoy light refreshments and connect with other educators while exploring the museum’s galleries. Take an interactive tour of our special exhibition Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men: Masters of Animation and then visit the Learning Center to preview the Education Department’s newest school experience offerings for the 2018–19 academic calendar.
Ages 18 & up
Sat, Nov 17 | 10:30am–noon
Les Clark, one of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, served as an animator for countless Disney classics and was well known for his iconic work animating Mickey Mouse in the Fantasia (1940) segment “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” In fact, Clark extensively studied the movement of cloth and drapery in order to create a believably natural sorcerer robe for Mickey. Join us for this workshop about the foundations of drawing drapery—using charcoal and newsprint, learn about shape, form, and weight while drawing from still-life.
Ages 10 and up
Sat, Oct 20 | 3:30–5:30pm
Just in time for the holiday season, learn how to create your own 3-D pop-up greeting card with Disney Editions pop-up artist Matthew Reinhart. Follow along with Reinhart as he teaches the craft of paper engineering. Participants will have the opportunity to leave with their own unique greeting card, plus the skills to make more at home.
Schedule subject to change. Please check calendar or ticket desk on the day of your visit for most current schedule.