In 1923, Walt and Roy O. Disney established the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio with no fanfare and limited prospects. 10 years later, the situation was entirely the opposite. The Walt Disney Studios—as it was then known—had become the premier animation house in the United States, attracting talent from around the world, and elevating the art form from what had been a limited novelty into a major facet of world cinema.
In celebration of our latest special exhibition, Mary Blair: Mid-Century Magic, join us for an exclusive presentation with historian and Mary Blair expert, John Canemaker, and Mary Blair’s niece and caretaker of her aunt’s estate, Maggie Richardson. Canemaker has written two books about Blair: The...
Since opening over 10 years ago, we have sought to make the museum a place where our guests could find animation, innovation, and inspiration and immerse themselves in the remarkable life story of Walt Disney—the man who raised animation to an art, tirelessly pursued innovation, and created a distinctly American legacy, transforming the entertainment world. Donations help ensure future generations will continue to be inspired by Walt Disney’s life and legacy by supporting the museum’s unique galleries, special exhibitions, public programs, and educational efforts.
The Walt Disney Family Museum is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, and donations are fully tax deductible. The museum’s EIN is 46-4118590. For more information about making a contribution, please call 415.345.6843.
Looking for a new “direction” this Spring? Join us for an exclusive panel discussion moderated by Pixar producer Jonas Rivera with directors Carrie Hobson, Mike Jones, and Michael Yates as they share insights about their experiences working in various departments at Pixar Animation Studios and...
To show our appreciation, members will receive an additional 10% discount on in-store or online merchandise purchases made Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27—see below for details. Shop exclusive merchandise from our Museum Store before attending Walking with Giants: The Untold Story of Mary...
To celebrate the release of our new book, Walt Disney Treasures: Personal Art and Artifacts from The Walt Disney Family Museum, we are displaying rare and unique objects from the collection that are also featured in the book. Some of the artifacts showcased in the book and here have never been seen by the public. These objects will be on view for free in the museum’s Awards Lobby and will rotate periodically through the beginning of 2025. The next installation in...
To celebrate the release of our new book, Walt Disney Treasures: Personal Art and Artifacts from The Walt Disney Family Museum, we are displaying rare and unique objects from the collection that are also featured in the book. Some of the artifacts showcased in the book and here have never been seen by the public. These objects will be on view for free in the museum’s Awards Lobby and will rotate periodically through the beginning of 2025. The next installation in this...
Whether it be a movie, a television show, or a video game, trailers help draw in viewers and give a glimpse of a new story that a studio is excited to share. This class will focus on making your own unique animated trailers using digital software, timing, and animation techniques incorporated to...
Join us in celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with a special month-long screening of Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), an action-packed film about a young heroine who teams up with a talking dragon to save her home from a dark force. (Runtime: 107 minutes)
The Walt Disney Family Museum’s Advisory Committee is made up of extraordinary individuals, each with a substantial list of remarkable personal and professional achievements. Their combined insight, experience, and vision provide important strategic guidance for the museum in carrying out its mission and expanding its outreach and impact. Constituted in April 2015 to complement the museum’s Board of Directors, the Advisory Committee comprises the following distinguished members:
Light is an important yet often overlooked aspect within art and animation. While we illuminate you about the technical aspects of adding lighting to your own scenes, we will also discuss the importance of light to express mood and how it tells a story.
It’s time to roll into adventure and prepare your spell slot sheets, travelers! Come join us on an incredible journey as we mix writing, visual art, and a little bit of simulation to create a captivating tale mixed with fun role-playing game elements. Explore what makes an exciting story as you dive...
Sundays this May, The Walt Disney Family Museum presents a special sensory-friendly film screening of Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection (2015). To make this film a comfortable experience for all, lights will be dimmed instead of off, volume will be slightly lowered, and closed...
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 Studio where you can enjoy evening cocktails and follow along as our Education staff teaches you step-by-step how to draw fun rubber hose characters.
Join us on Saturday, April 26 for a Member Morning at The Walt Disney Family Museum! We are pleased to invite our members to enjoy complimentary coffee and pastries on the porch followed by Spotlight Talks, short discussions about specific topics in Disney history, in our main galleries.
While serving as President of Walt Disney Productions and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, former President of The Walt Disney Family Museum Ron Miller executive-produced several films including the 1985 animated feature, The Black Cauldron, based on the classic fantasy book by...
This April, The Walt Disney Family Museum presents a special sensory-friendly film screening of The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977). To make this film a comfortable experience for all, lights will be dimmed instead of off, volume will be slightly lowered, and closed captioning will be...
