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 Virtual
In conjunction with our special exhibition Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story, step into the wild and celebrate the legacy of Adventureland...
Sat, Mar 7 | 10:30am–noon PT - Workshops Virtual
In conjunction with our special exhibition Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story, step into the wild and celebrate the legacy of Adventureland...
Sat, Mar 7 | 1–2:30pm PT In conjunction with our special exhibition Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story, step into the wild and celebrate the legacy of Adventureland...
Sat, Mar 14 | 10:30am–noonIn conjunction with our special exhibition Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story, step into the wild and celebrate the legacy of Adventureland...
Sat, Mar 14 | 1–2:30pmDiscover how light and shadow can transform your art in this fun, hands-on session! Join us in the Learning Center for an evening of creativity...
Thu, Mar 19 | 5–7pm- Workshops
The Art Playground is for families with children ages 3 to 6. In our Learning Center, we will be embracing the Spring season and teach simple art...
Sat & Sun, Mar 21–22 | 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 In conjunction with our special exhibition Happiest Place on Earth: The Disneyland Story, enter the world of Disney architecture and discover the...
Sun, Mar 22 | 10:30am–12:30pmIn 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 | 1–2:30pm- 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 | 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