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
No wands or staffs necessary for this spellbinding workshop! The fantasy genre and iconography of wizards have enchanted audiences far and wide. In...
Sat, Nov 8 | 10:30am–noon - Workshops Virtual
No wands or staffs necessary for this spellbinding workshop! The fantasy genre and iconography of wizards have enchanted audiences far and wide. In...
Sat, Nov 8 | 1–2:30pm - Workshops
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight! Join us in our Art...
Thu, Nov 13 | 5–7pm Walt Disney’s Fantasia (1940) was an ambitious project that combined classical music with colorful animations. For its monumental 85th anniversary...
Sat, Nov 15 | 10:30am–noonWalt Disney’s Fantasia (1940) was an ambitious project that combined classical music with colorful animations. For its monumental 85th anniversary...
Sat, Nov 15 | 1–2:30pmThe realm of mythical creatures has been a fascination to the human mind for centuries, and with the 85th anniversary of Walt Disney’s Fantasia (1940)...
Sun, Nov 16 | 10:30am–12:30pmCalling all rescuers big and small! Take a journey with us to the vast Outback of Australia to celebrate the 35th anniversary of The Rescuers Down...
Sat, Nov 22 | 10:30am–noonCalling all rescuers big and small! Take a journey with us to the vast Outback of Australia to celebrate the 35th anniversary of The Rescuers Down...
Sat, Nov 22 | 1–2:30pm- Workshops Virtual
Who doesn’t want to be a cat? Come and jazz out with us in this special workshop celebrating the 55th anniversary of The Aristocats (1970). While...
Sat, Dec 6 | 10:30am–noon PT - Workshops Virtual
Who doesn’t want to be a cat? Come and jazz out with us in this special workshop celebrating the 55th anniversary of The Aristocats (1970). While...
Sat, Dec 6 | 1–2:30pm PT There may be more than what meets the eye in this crafty workshop! In honor of the 20th anniversary of Walt Disney Pictures & Walden Media, LLC’s The...
Sun, Dec 7 | 10:30am–12:30pm- Workshops
In this fun and hands-on session, learn how to make your drawings truly come to life and put your creativity in the spotlight! Join us in our Art...
Thu, Dec 11 | 5–7pm