Though the roots of animation date back as far as Paleolithic cave art, creations such as the thaumatrope and zoetrope took the art form to new heights in the 19th century. These toys, which relied on optical tricks in order to create the illusion of movement in otherwise still drawings, paved the path for more complex forms of animation, and even inspired a young Walt Disney. Journey back in time to create your own thaumatrope and a miniature zoetrope, which exemplify—through nothing more than clever positioning and a simple spinning motion—how immobile drawings can appear to come to life.
Other Programs
In conjunction with our special exhibition Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story, venture beyond the gates and uncover the chilling legacy of...
Sat, Mar 28 | 10:30am–noonIn conjunction with our special exhibition Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story, venture beyond the gates and uncover the chilling legacy of...
Sat, Mar 28 | 1–2:30pmAll aboard as we celebrate the timeless charm of the Disneyland Railroad, an attraction that has been circling the Park since Opening Day in 1955...
Sat, Apr 4 | 10:30am–noon PT- Workshops Virtual
All aboard as we celebrate the timeless charm of the Disneyland Railroad, an attraction that has been circling the Park since Opening Day in 1955...
Sat, Apr 4 | 1–2:30pm PT All aboard as we celebrate the timeless charm of the Disneyland Railroad, an attraction that has been circling the Park since Opening Day in 1955...
Sat, Apr 11 | 10:30am–noonAll aboard as we celebrate the timeless charm of the Disneyland Railroad, an attraction that has been circling the Park since Opening Day in 1955...
Sat, Apr 11 | 1–2:30pmIn conjunction with our special exhibition, Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story take a spin into the whimsical world of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride...
Sat, Apr 18 | 10:30am–noonIn conjunction with our special exhibition, Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story take a spin into the whimsical world of Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride...
Sat, Apr 18 | 1–2:30pmHave you ever noticed how a single letter can feel wondrous? From the swirling curves of movie posters to the bold strokes of Park signage, creative...
Sun, Apr 19 | 10:30am–12:30pmSip, paint, and let your creativity ripple! Dive into the art of reflections as we explore how to paint shimmering puddles that capture light, color...
Thu, Apr 23 | 5–7pm- Workshops
The Art Playground is for families with children ages 3 to 6. In our Learning Center, we will be embracing Earth Day and teach simple art techniques...
Sat & Sun, Apr 25–26 | 10am–noon - Workshops
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...
Sat & Sun, Mar 21–22, and Apr 25–26
1–3pm