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
- Workshops
Just in time for Día de los Muertos, join us as Pixar animators Sequoia Blankenship and Rob Thompson share their stories about making their first...
Sun, Nov 1 | 10:30am–12:30pm - Workshops Virtual
Get froggy with us as we uncover the history of how our amphibian friends have been brought to life on the big screen, then we will hop to our...
Sat, Nov 7 | 10:30am–noon - Workshops Virtual
Get froggy with us as we uncover the history of how our amphibian friends have been brought to life on the big screen, then we will hop to our...
Sat, Nov 7 | 1–2:30pm In honor of our special exhibition Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle , enjoy an evening of beverages and art delving into one of Earle’s...
Thu, Nov 12 | 5–7pmGet froggy with us as we uncover the history of how our amphibian friends have been brought to life on the big screen, then we will hop to our...
Sat, Nov 14 | 10:30am–noonGet froggy with us as we uncover the history of how our amphibian friends have been brought to life on the big screen, then we will hop to our...
Sat, Nov 14 | 1–2:30pm- Workshops Virtual
While it may be a tale as old as time, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Beauty and the Beast (1991)—celebrating its 35th anniversary this month...
Sat, Nov 21 | 10:30am–noon - Workshops Virtual
While it may be a tale as old as time, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Beauty and the Beast (1991)—celebrating its 35th anniversary this month...
Sat, Nov 21 | 1–2:30pm - Workshops Virtual
Eyvind Earle’s love for nature is not only apparent in his work on Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (1959)—it can be found in his personal works as well...
Sat, Dec 5 | 10:30am–noon - Workshops Virtual
Eyvind Earle’s love for nature is not only apparent in his work on Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (1959)—it can be found in his personal works as well...
Sat, Dec 5 | 1–2:30pm In this colorful session, we will honor our current special exhibition Awaking Beauty: The Art of Eyvind Earle , and Earle’s own history of creating...
Thu, Dec 10 | 5–7pmEyvind Earle’s love for nature is not only apparent in his work on Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (1959)—it can be found in his personal works as well...
Sat, Dec 12 | 10:30am–noon