Disney Cats & Dogs explores the evolution and innovation of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animal-inspired animation and storytelling through the decades, and the massive undertaking involved in bringing their iconic cats and dogs to life on screen.
We are partnering with local non-profits throughout the exhibition to highlight the important work they do for animals in the Bay Area and beyond. You can help support local dogs and cats in need by supporting one of our featured animal rescues or by adopting or fostering a pet in need of a loving home. In the Disney Cats & Dogs exhibition, we will feature different local animal shelters and highlight some of their pets currently available for adoption. Come visit us in person or check this page to see our featured shelters and pets for the month.
On view in January–February 2024. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of The Walt Disney Company, The Walt Disney Family Museum is showcasing objects from the museum’s collection which highlight important moments in Walt’s career. These objects, which include recent acquisitions and fragile materials that have never been publicly displayed, will rotate periodically throughout the year.
Join us this February for a special month-long screening of Cinderella (1950)—the Disney Studios’ long-awaited return to long-form, single-story animation after World War II—and experience the classic tale of overcoming adversity to find true love with the help of a Fairy Godmother, a dash of magic...
On November 16, 2023, Pawsibilities Unleashed: A Pet Portrait Exhibition debuted in The Walt Disney Family Museum’s Theater and Lower Lobby Galleries. Presented concurrently with our special exhibition, Disney Cats & Dogs, this unique collection of artworks features portraits by local Bay Area and Disney-related artists, showcasing the profound impact animal companions have on their creative expression. The talented staff at The Walt Disney Family Museum was asked to contribute artwork that...
Wander down the path of adaptations and stitch together the symbolism of sewing in animation and how often this craft has been represented throughout the history of filmmaking. Then, using traditional animation techniques, animate your very own tailor hard at work!
The Walt Disney Family Museum is pleased to announce Pawsibilities Unleashed: A Pet Portrait Exhibition. Presented concurrently with our special exhibition, Disney Cats & Dogs, this unique collection of artworks will feature portraits by local Bay Area and Disney-related artists, showcasing the...
In celebration of our latest special exhibition, Disney Cats & Dogs, we are partnering with the San Francisco SPCA to bring furry friends from their Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) program. Representatives from AAT will be sharing how the program facilitates communication and healing by sharing the...
Join us for a special screening of The Inventor (2023)—a stop-motion journey through Leonardo da Vinci's curious mind and groundbreaking inventions—written and directed by Jim Capobianco, known for his Academy Award®-nominated story work on Disney and Pixar’s Ratatouille (2007). Following the...
Successful animators have a comprehensive understanding of basic animation techniques and principles. This eight-week course focuses on one of these concepts each class by working traditionally with pencil and paper. Students will develop a strong foundation, continue to build their knowledge of art...
Watching Alice’s Wonderland, the short pilot cartoon Walt Disney carried with him on his journey west to Los Angeles in 1923, it's ironic to consider the character Alice’s own journey by animated train. The live-action young girl—played by Virginia Davis—makes a triumphant arrival in “Cartoonland” where crowds of cheering, hand-drawn animals welcome her with pomp and ceremony. Walt’s arrival in Los Angeles could not have been more different. Not only was there no glorious welcome, but the local...
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Cupid is on the move and striking the hearts of our favorite animated characters. During this romantic workshop, we will take a trip down the memory lane of cartoon characters who have been famously bitten by the love bug, and we will demonstrate how...
A spellbound princess, an heroic prince, and a menacing dragon make for the perfect recipe in a classic tale. In celebration of the 65th anniversary of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (1956), join us for a day of magic! As we explore the development of the character Maleficent, we will dive into various...
A spellbound princess, an heroic prince, and a menacing dragon make for the perfect recipe in a classic tale. In celebration of the 65th anniversary of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty (1956), join us for a day of magic! As we explore the development of the character Maleficent, we will dive into various...
Wander down the path of adaptations and stitch together the symbolism of sewing in animation and how often this craft has been represented throughout the history of filmmaking. Then, using traditional animation techniques, animate your very own tailor hard at work!
With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, Cupid is on the move and striking the hearts of our favorite animated characters. During this romantic workshop, we will take a trip down the memory lane of cartoon characters who have been famously bitten by the love bug, and we will demonstrate how...
In the world of television and film, cartoon animals have gone on many adventures, such as jungle expeditions, space explorations, and one of the biggest journeys of all—school. Join us as we celebrate a new year and the return to school from holiday break. We will explore animation throughout the...
Join us this January for a special month-long screening of Eight Below (2006), the heartwarming tale based on a true story of a man who will stop at nothing to save his beloved sled dogs, starring the late Paul Walker.