Archive Exhibits Archives - D23 https://d23.com/section/walt-disney-archives/archive-exhibits/ For the fan in all of us Sun, 19 Nov 2023 23:16:55 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Disney100: The Exhibition to Open November 18 in Chicago—Birthplace of Walt Disney https://d23.com/disney100-the-exhibition-to-open-november-18-in-chicago-birthplace-of-walt-disney/ Sat, 09 Sep 2023 15:00:10 +0000 https://d23.com/?p=139347 Experience Disney magic like never before at Disney100: The Exhibition, opening in Chicago on Nov 18. Explore 10 immersive galleries and over 250 artifacts.

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]]> The Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions, a worldwide exhibit presenter and producer, announced today that Disney100: The Exhibition will open at the 35,000-square-foot Exhibition Hub Art Center (formerly known as the Windy City Fieldhouse) in Chicago on November 18, 2023. The facade of the building will be transformed and rebranded through Disney magic to include stunning visuals that are sure to catch the attention of fans and tourists alike. This date is also special because it’s Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse’s birthday. The pair made their first on-screen appearance in Steamboat Willie, which premiered in New York City on November 18, 1928.

The show is presented in partnership with Exhibition Hub and Fever, both leaders in global live-entertainment operations. Guests can experience ten immersive galleries with visual, audio, and interactive elements, as well as more than 250 unique and rarely seen works of art, artifacts, memorabilia, costumes, and props from the historical collections across the many realms of Disney, all on display as The Walt Disney Company celebrates its centennial anniversary on October 16, 2023.

“It took several years to plan and assemble the artifacts for Disney100: The Exhibition, and many of them will be on display for Disney fans for the first time,” said Christoph Scholz, Director, Semmel Exhibitions. “Most of the artifacts are presented from the Walt Disney Archives collection with some additional treasures from Marvel Studios, the Pixar Living Archives, the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, and Walt Disney Imagineering, including some that will be displayed for the first time in Chicago.”

The city of Chicago plays an important role in the Disney story: Walter Elias Disney was born in Chicago’s Hermosa neighborhood; Walt purchased his first motion picture camera in Chicago; he attended McKinley High School where he divided his attention between drawing and photography; and attended night classes at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. The Windy City provided inspiration for the project that eventually became known as Disneyland® Park, including by way of the Chicago Railroad Fair.

“We are incredibly excited to bring this fantastic exhibition to Chicago,” said Rebecca Cline, Director, Walt Disney Archives. “We can’t wait for guests to experience some of their favorite Disney stories, characters, and attractions in new and immersive ways as we celebrate all the wonderful worlds of Disney.”

Visitors will be taken on a visual journey where they can explore seldom viewed works of art including visual development drawings for Sleeping Beauty (1959), created by artist and Disney Legend Marc Davis. A very special piece of art from Mary Poppins (1964), which can also be seen in the opening titles of Mary Poppins Returns (2018), created by artist and Disney Legend Peter Ellenshaw will also be on display. Also included in the experience are some of the iconic props from various films such as the Mad Hatter’s teapot from Alice in Wonderland (2010); the poisoned caramel apple from Enchanted (2007) used by Timothy Spall and Amy Adams; and the dinglehopper from The Little Mermaid (2023) used by Halle Bailey. Fans won’t want to miss seeing Disneyland® Park Employee Badge #1, issued to Walt Disney in 1955, and early photography of Walt Disney’s birthplace in Chicago. Disney enthusiasts will have the chance to leave with both memories and memorabilia, as the exhibition will include several extraordinary backdrops and photo opportunities along with exclusive merchandise offered inside the Disney100: The Exhibition gift shop.

“Chicago is proud to host Disney100: The Exhibition, returning to the very city where the Walt Disney legend first began,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “We welcome Disney fans from all corners of the world to enjoy this immersive exhibition and spend time in the city that inspired the imagination of a young Walt Disney, one of the 20th century’s most influential Americans.”

The waitlist for tickets opens today, September 6, 2023, and ticket sales will begin on September 12, 2023, at 10 a.m. CDT. For images, please visit the press kit here. Disney100: The Exhibition is scheduled to be open throughout the holiday season and into 2024.

The Exhibition Hub Art Center in Chicago is located inside the Lincoln Park neighborhood at 2367 W. Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647 and is easily accessible from Chicago’s public transit system. For more information, please visit https://disney100exhibit.com/chicago

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]]> Disney100: The Exhibition https://d23.com/disney100exhibition/ Fri, 07 Apr 2023 22:33:24 +0000 https://d23.com/?page_id=134995 NOW OPEN Exhibition Hub Art Center in Chicago GET TICKETS NOW OPEN ExCeL London GET TICKETS Over the past century, Disney has brought its iconic stories and characters to life in new and innovative ways, becoming part of the global culture and creating generations of memories for billions. Presented by the Walt Disney Archives and ...

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WDA - Disney100

NOW OPEN
Exhibition Hub Art Center in Chicago

GET TICKETS

NOW OPEN
ExCeL London

GET TICKETS

Over the past century, Disney has brought its iconic stories and characters to life in new and innovative ways, becoming part of the global culture and creating generations of memories for billions.

Presented by the Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions, Disney100: The Exhibition invites guests to step into ten magnificent and imaginatively themed galleries, where moving stories, unique interactive installations, and behind-the-scenes glimpses provide a journey through 100 years of The Walt Disney Company. This all-new 15,000-square-foot experience showcases hundreds of extraordinary objects, including many of Disney’s “Crown Jewels”— more than 250 rarely-seen artifacts, works of art, costumes, props, and memorabilia.

For tickets and more details, visit Disney100Exhibit.com.

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]]> Walt Disney Archives Presents: Step in Time at D23 Expo 2022 https://d23.com/walt-disney-archives-presents-step-in-time-at-d23-expo-2022/ Wed, 19 Oct 2022 17:00:06 +0000 https://d23.com/?p=128249 The Walt Disney Archives invited D23 Expo 2022 guests to step through a Disney100 portal to become immersed in a century of Disney wonder.

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The Walt Disney Archives invited D23 Expo 2022 guests to step through a Disney100 portal to become immersed in a century of Disney wonder. A central timeline guided visitors through the chronological celebration, showcasing the vast breadth of extraordinary Disney events from the past 100 years—beginning with the Company’s founding in 1923. The timeline became the gateway to nine themed environments which offered guests the chance to literally “Step in Time” and into famous scenes and memorable moments from beloved animated shorts, films, and movie premieres, as well as television productions and Disney Parks favorites. Rarely seen historical objects from the Walt Disney Archives collection were exhibited like never before, displayed in re-creations of the remarkable settings from which they originated. 

Steamboat Willie premieres – 1928
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse made their legendary big-screen debut on November 18, 1928, with the release of Steamboat Willie at the Colony Theatre in New York City. Directed by Walt Disney, this cartoon was the first to feature the emerging innovation of synchronized sound. The instant fame and enduring charm of these iconic characters would also usher in a variety of licensed merchandise items beginning in 1930, from writing tablets and watches to clothing and school supplies. Soon, licensed Disney character products became available for every member of the family. 

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs premieres – 1937
Walt Disney’s first animated feature film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, premiered at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on December 21, 1937. This creative watershed for the Company was met with lavish fanfare as Hollywood’s biggest stars walked the blue carpet alongside the likes of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Snow White herself. The promotional standees seen here hearken to an early European theatrical release and reflect the film’s worldwide popularity. And as a testament to Snow White’s timeless appeal, the featured costume—designed by Martin Izquierdo for actor Rachel Weisz—was featured some 70 years after the film’s original release as part of the Disney Dream Portrait series by photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Disneyland opens – 1955
Disneyland, Walt’s brand-new concept in family entertainment, opened to an invitational audience on July 17, 1955, and to an eager public the following day. Constructed on a site originally spanning some 160 acres, Disneyland has continued to grow and evolve over the years. The well-known attraction posters that now populate the tunnels of the Main Street Station originally greeted visitors at the park’s main entrance, in front of and near the famous floral depiction of Mickey Mouse. These whimsical posters were introduced within the first year of the park’s operation to provide guests with a taste of what they would see inside the park and in which themed land they could experience it. The posters displayed were all original to Disneyland—each screen-printed by hand and representing such opening day attractions as the Santa Fe and Disneyland Railroad, Peter Pan’s Flight, Jungle Cruise, Autopia, and Mark Twain Riverboat.

Mary Poppins premieres – 1964
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre was the site of a “Jolly Holiday” when Mary Poppins made its world premiere at the famed Hollywood movie palace on August 27, 1964. Heralded as one of Walt Disney’s crowning achievements, the musical fantasy was shot entirely on soundstages at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. As Walt once explained, the film employed “about every trick we had learned in the making of films,” although bringing its chalk-illustrated world to life was no easy feat for Disney’s studio artists. Similar to today’s green-screen technology, an innovative sodium vapor process was developed to combine live-action and animation for the acclaimed “Jolly Holiday” sequence; actors were filmed in front of a screen, which was illuminated from behind with sodium vapor lights, casting a yellow hue. A prism inside the camera then filtered out the sodium light, leaving only the main image, to give filmmakers and animators the ability to later fill in the surroundings with fanciful creations. Add in extraordinary props (like these intricate carousel horses) and costumes (like this creation designed by Tony Walton and worn by Disney Legend Julie Andrews), and no wonder that it’s Mary that we love!

Walt Disney World Resort opens – 1971
In the early 1960s, thanks to the popularity of Disneyland, Walt and Roy O. Disney began searching for a site on the East Coast where they could build an entirely new “vacation kingdom” of Disney entertainment and recreation. To attract guests from new regions, Central Florida was ultimately selected as the ideal site for the project known today as Walt Disney World. The 43-square-mile resort complex opened October 1, 1971, and originally featured Magic Kingdom Park and two surrounding resort hotels—the Contemporary and Polynesian Village Resorts. Unique to the Magic Kingdom was a new themed land called Liberty Square, which debuted with an updated version of the signature Disneyland attraction, the Haunted Mansion. Since the mansion’s doors first creaked open a half-century ago, foolish mortals have toured the happy haunting grounds of 999 spirited specters by Doom Buggy—discovering new and reimagined ghoulish delights as they have materialized over time. Presented here are historical items and apparitions that once called the Haunted Mansion home, including the ghostly bride who departed the mansion’s Attic in 2007.  

TRON is released – 1982
Greetings, Programs, and welcome to The Grid! The cult classic film Tron was released on July 9, 1982, sending audiences on a futuristic adventure through the electronic world. This groundbreaking motion picture was the first to make extensive use of computer-generated imagery, requiring gigabytes of expertise and creativity. Inspired by director Steven Lisberger’s passion for computer games, it was only natural that the film’s “real-world” sequences featured an arcade. The impressive neon sign for Flynn’s Arcade, seen here, served as the beacon for the video game facility managed by Kevin Flynn (played by Jeff Bridges) in the film. Whether you prefer playing Lightcycleor Space Paranoids, Flynn’s was the most happening place to be (and remember—to get that high score, it’s all in the wrist).

Dick Tracy is released – 1990
“Calling Dick Tracy. Calling Dick Tracy.” Disney’s take on the iconic fedora-clad detective first hit the big screen on June 15, 1990. In this Touchstone release, the colorful world of Dick Tracy was made to resemble the vibrant style of the namesake comic strips originally created by Chester Gould in 1931. Italian costume designer Milena Canonero assigned each character—from starring to background roles—a distinct color to help them stand out, forming a palette from black to white without any mid-tones or muddy colors. In the film’s Club Ritz raid scene, Breathless Mahoney (played by Madonna) wore this backless, black sequined dress as she performed the Academy Award®-winning number “Sooner or Later [I Always Get My Man]” by Stephen Sondheim. Crime boss Big Boy Caprice (played by Al Pacino) donned the flashy red double-breasted suit with black pinstripes. For Warren Beatty’s Dick Tracy costume, the look was lifted straight off the page: the trademark ensemble of black suit, white shirt, red striped tie, yellow coat, and fedora.

First “Wand ID” airs on Disney Channel – 2003
Some of Disney’s most popular stars first delivered the iconic catchphrase, “... and you’re watching Disney Channel,” when the first “Wand ID” segments aired on June 7, 2003—some 20 years after the cable network’s historic launch. Among the first talent to “wave the wand” were actors from Even Stevens (2000), That’s So Raven (2001), The Proud Family (2001), and Lizzie McGuire (2003). With the popularity of these filmed clips, over 350 have aired to date—and they’re still being created with the newest class of Disney Channel talent! Guests at D23 Expo 2022 were able step into a larger-than-life TV to create their own “Wand ID,” surrounded by costumes worn by stars of past Disney Channel original series and movies.

Acquisition of Lucasfilm – 2012
On December 21, 2012, The Walt Disney Company completed its acquisition of Lucasfilm Ltd. Included in the deal was the special effects powerhouse Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) and Skywalker Sound, along with the rights to the Star Wars and Indiana Jones franchises. In 2021, the Walt Disney Archives welcomed Star Wars film props, costumes, and other artifacts into the collection, beginning with historical pieces from Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015). The collection now includes an array of droids, including the ones seen here (BB-8, C-3PO, D-O, and R2-D2), as well as elaborate interior components from the Millennium Falcon.

As we approach the 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company—and after such a successful and engaging showing at D23 Expo 2022—we at the Walt Disney Archives are incredibly excited about traveling our new and unique exhibit marking a century of unparalleled innovation and storytelling with the world. Coming in 2023, Disney100: The Exhibition will celebrate the wonder of Disney, from 1923 to the present and into the future.

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]]> Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation® https://d23.com/heroes-and-villains-the-art-of-the-disney-costume-at-the-henry-ford-museum-of-american-innovation/ Wed, 05 Oct 2022 16:03:13 +0000 https://d23.com/?p=127663 Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume explores the craftsmanship and artistry required to produce costuming elements that represent nearly six decades of film and television production at The Walt Disney Company.

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Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume explores the craftsmanship and artistry required to produce costuming elements that represent nearly six decades of film and television production at The Walt Disney Company. Having debuted at the 2019 D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, this traveling exhibition incorporates more than 60 costumes from over 30 films worn by the likes of Disney Legend Julie Andrews, Bette Davis, Glenn Close, and Angelina Jolie.

Showcasing the work of over 20 different designers, the exhibit aims to provide visitors a rarely seen, up-close look at some of Disney’s most memorable costumes, shining a spotlight on not only the incredible garments, but the artisans who helped bring them to cinematic life. Much has been said and written about the significant work of the artists, animators, performers, composers, designers, and Imagineers who have brought forth the sorcery of Disney to generations around the world, but Disney costume designers have not had their work examined—or appraised and appreciated—with the same focus, nor has their art been as celebrated as their creative contemporaries. This exhibition allows guests to hear from the designers themselves, getting added insight into how costumes go from concept to reality.

The 6,000-square-foot traveling exhibit is on display at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation® in Dearborn, Michigan, through January 1, 2023.

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]]> All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives https://d23.com/all-that-glitters-the-crown-jewels-of-the-walt-disney-archives/ Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:00:55 +0000 https://d23.com/?p=115411 With All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives, viewers get an up-close view of some of our favorite pieces from Disney, Lucasfilm, and Marvel projects. 

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]]> Costume jewelry and accessories have been relied upon across the vast history of film and television to help bring characters to life. Details such as these are often overlooked by an audience, but are, in fact, exactly what make Disney characters unique and timeless. In the exhibition All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives, we take a look at the beautifully designed crowns, tiaras, watches, rings, bracelets, and other accessories that have helped support some of our favorite moments throughout the nearly 100-year history of The Walt Disney Company.

In partnership with the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, the Walt Disney Archives has designed and curated four main gallery spaces in which viewers will have the chance to experience an in-depth look at the world of costume jewelry and accessories. These galleries explain what sets costume jewelry apart from real world jewelry and how these pieces help accentuate a costume as a whole. Within this new exhibition, viewers get an up-close view of some of our favorite pieces from Disney, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios and 20th Century Fox projects.

With over 200 dazzling items from over 100 productions, we are very pleased to take you through this exciting look at this often overlooked, yet integral part of movie and television magic. Our premier costume jewelry exhibition, All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives, will be on display at the Bowers Museum through June 19, 2022.

D23 Gold Members receive a discount on tickets and merchandise!

All That Glitters: The Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives
All That Glitters: Crown Jewels of the Walt Disney Archives at the Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, California

Feature Vault Gallery

Crowns and tiaras

Ice Crowns – Jadis the White Witch, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005), worn by Tilda Swinton

“Heart of the Ocean,” Titanic (1997), worn by Kate Winslet, courtesy of Lightstorm Entertainment

Watches through the decades

Marvel Studios’ Black Panther (2018) and Doctor Strange (2016), courtesy of Marvel Studios

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]]> Destination D23–50 Years of Bringing Home the Magic https://d23.com/destination-d23-50-years-of-bringing-home-the-magic/ Sat, 18 Dec 2021 00:09:11 +0000 https://d23.com/?p=114631 For 50 years guests have been visiting the “Vacation Kingdom of the World,” making memories to last a lifetime. With the Walt Disney Archives being founded in 1970, the year before Walt Disney World Resort opened, founder and Disney Legend Dave Smith knew how significant the opening of the resort would be for the Company ...

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]]> For 50 years guests have been visiting the “Vacation Kingdom of the World,” making memories to last a lifetime. With the Walt Disney Archives being founded in 1970, the year before Walt Disney World Resort opened, founder and Disney Legend Dave Smith knew how significant the opening of the resort would be for the Company and thoroughly captured the momentous occasion with everything from tickets and maps to advertising ephemera and menus, and, of course… merchandise!

Walt Disney World merchandise has always been more than just something to be purchased—it’s a tangible reminder of specific memories tied to “The Most Magical Place on Earth.” This chronological exhibition provides a glimpse into Walt Disney World Resort past and present through several merchandise memories that bring the magic home with us. While it’s impossible for the Archives to have saved every piece of resort merchandise created, the goal has always been to have a sampling of key objects to exemplify a given point in time. These exhibit displays represent some of the most iconic and collectible pieces from over the years, showcasing the trends of the times and key celebrations, all set to evocative shopping-bag-graphic backdrops of the decade.

We hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane with Walt Disney Archives Presents: 50 Years of Bringing Home the Magic.

1970s
Even before the Walt Disney World Resort opened, curious fans began purchasing select merchandise in January 1970 with the opening of the Walt Disney World Preview Center. Some of the most popular “before park opening” products included the first souvenir guidebook, various groovy hats like Donald Duck with a squeaking bill, and extra-long pencils with character toppers.

Walt Disney World 1970s merchandise including pencils, toppers and mugs

Walt Disney World 1970s bobble-heads and Orange Bird bank

Walt Disney World 1970s merchandise including Donald Duck squeaking bill hat

1980s
The 1980s brought the opening of two new tubular theme parks to Walt Disney World Resort, EPCOT Center (currently known as EPCOT) in 1982 and the Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park (currently known as Disney’s Hollywood Studios) in 1989. Upon opening, the wide range of newly created characters and logos for EPCOT made for some of the most unique Disney merchandise ever created and remain fan favorites to this day.

Walt Disney World 1980s merchandise including Figment

Walt Disney World 1980s merchandise including Kitchen Kaberet plush

1990s
From figurines to fanny packs, many fly merchandise trends came out of the 1990s. Mix these with Walt Disney World 20th and 25th anniversary celebrations, and you get light-up visors and sparkling snow globes. The opening of Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park in 1998 brought a new type of merchandise into the Disney world, focusing on nature and the park’s icon, the Tree of Life.

Walt Disney World 1990s merchandise including various Mickey Mouse Ears hats

Walt Disney World 1990s merchandise including Anniversary and Animal Kingdom merchandise

2000s & 2010s
As time progresses and technology evolves, so, too, has Walt Disney World merchandise offerings —electric monorails race around tracks, interactive Mickey plush share fun facts about theme parks, and even park tickets are a fashion statement with the creation of MagicBands in 2013. The 2000s helped to further turn collecting merchandise into an activity with the introduction of Pin Trading during the Millennium Celebration and later continued with the Vinylmation craze. Classic Minnie Mouse ear headbands became more popular than ever with the start of color collections like Rose Gold and Millennium Pink, perfectly pairing with fan favorite spirit jerseys.

Walt Disney World 2000s merchandise including MagicBands

Walt Disney World 2000s merchandise including Vinylmation

50th Anniversary
The Walt Disney Archives collection is constantly growing; the celebrations of today are history captured for tomorrow. When it comes to significant anniversaries—like “The World’s Most Magical Celebration” for the resort’s 50th—saving examples of related merchandise is imperative for the future understanding of the resort’s past, serving as research for the Company to build from and nostalgia for audiences to look back on and enjoy.

Walt Disney World 50th merchandise

Dream-Catching Machine
Originally used to collect sparks of imagination with Dreamfinder and his pal Figment, this Dream-Catching Machine was first seen when the EPCOT attraction Journey Into Imagination opened March 5, 1983. After the original incarnation of the attraction closed in 1998, it was moved to the shopping location Mouse Gear to delight Guests as a bit of “easter egg” set décor. The Dream-Catching Machine became one of the Walt Disney Archives’ newest acquisitions when it was removed for the shop’s re-imagining in 2020.

Walt Disney World Dream-Catching Machine

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]]> Inside the Walt Disney Archives – Graceland Exhibition Center https://d23.com/inside-the-walt-disney-archives-graceland-exhibition-center/ Tue, 16 Nov 2021 19:01:18 +0000 https://d23.com/?p=112652 For nearly a century, The Walt Disney Company has created timeless family entertainment that has touched the hearts of generations the world over, encouraging us all to smile, sing, and even shed a tear. This tale began in 1923, when Walt Disney arrived in Hollywood. Over the next four decades, this one-of-a-kind storyteller introduced the ...

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]]> For nearly a century, The Walt Disney Company has created timeless family entertainment that has touched the hearts of generations the world over, encouraging us all to smile, sing, and even shed a tear. This tale began in 1923, when Walt Disney arrived in Hollywood. Over the next four decades, this one-of-a-kind storyteller introduced the world to unforgettable characters, created enchanting tales both old and new, and reimagined outdoor amusements into the realm of fully immersive themed entertainment.

Almost 50 years after the Walt Disney studio created a mouse named Mickey, Walt’s brother Roy O. Disney established the Walt Disney Archives at the company’s headquarters in Burbank, California. Its mission—to collect, preserve, and make available for research the history of Walt Disney and the company he founded, so that it can continue to inspire artists, audiences, dreamers, and doers of all ages. With more than 13,000 boxes of documents and merchandise items, a library of over 20 million photographs, more than 12,000 catalogued books, and several thousand historic props and costume pieces—from the first Mickey Mouse Club series to the latest feature films and Disney theme park attractions—the Walt Disney Archives documents Disney history as it happens. While not open to the public, Disney cast members, employees, Imagineers, and outside researchers working on official projects can visit the Archives to study and understand the past to help them create the Disney magic of today—and tomorrow!

This exhibition gives visitors a chance to get a glimpse into Disney’s storied past as they walk through a special recreation of the Archives, including a dazzling display of more than 450 historical objects, including original artwork, costumes, and props that tell the story of the department, The Walt Disney Company, and Walt Disney himself. The 10,000-square-foot traveling exhibit will be on display at the Graceland Exhibition Center in Memphis, Tennessee, from July 23, 2021, through January 2, 2022.

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]]> Heroes and Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume – MoPop https://d23.com/heroes-and-villains-the-art-of-the-disney-costume-mopop/ Tue, 14 Sep 2021 16:00:19 +0000 https://d23.com/?p=110192 Across countless tales of enchantment, The Walt Disney Company has always been at the forefront of creative storytelling. Shared with audiences around the globe, the worlds these stories have created for us have become significant, iconic, and, in many ways, immortal. Across nearly every medium Disney has touched—from the earliest days of animation, through innovations in live-action filmmaking, pioneering efforts in television, location-based entertainment, retail, and even ...

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]]> Across countless tales of enchantment, The Walt Disney Company has always been at the forefront of creative storytelling. Shared with audiences around the globe, the worlds these stories have created for us have become significant, iconic, and, in many ways, immortal. Across nearly every medium Disney has touched—from the earliest days of animation, through innovations in live-action filmmaking, pioneering efforts in television, location-based entertainment, retail, and even gaming—one creative aspect has been seldom-documented, though is ever-present: costume design.

Much has been said and written about the significant work of the artists, animators, performers, composters, designers, and Imagineers who have brought forth the sorcery of Disney to generations around the world, but Disney costume designers have not had their work examined—or appraised and appreciated—with the same focus, nor has their art been as celebrated as their creative contemporaries. And yet, in all the varied narrative media from Disney, costumes and clothing are  as significant and memorable an element of building a character and telling a story as any other aspect, from script to sound, or from performance to production design.

This exhibition explores the craftsmanship and artistry required to produce costuming elements that represent nearly six decades of film and television production at The Walt Disney Company. Incorporating more than 60 costumes worn by the likes of Disney Legend Julie Andrews, Bette Davis, Glenn Close, and Angelina Jolie, and representing over 20 different designers, the exhibit aims to showcase for visitors a never before seen, up-close look at some of Disney’s most memorable costumes, shining a spotlight on not only the incredible garments, but the artisans that brought them to life. Guests are able to hear from the designers themselves, getting added insight into how costumes go from concept to reality.

The 6,000-square-foot traveling exhibit will be on display at the Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle, Washington, from June 4, 2021 through April 17, 2022.

WDA Heroes and Villains

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]]> Walt Disney Archives Exhibit Heads to the Graceland Exhibition Center Starting July 23 https://d23.com/walt-disney-archives-exhibit-heads-to-the-graceland-exhibition-center-starting-july-23/ Wed, 26 May 2021 13:23:12 +0000 https://d23.com/?p=106250 By the D23 Team The magic is on the move! The exhibition Inside the Walt Disney Archives, which first debuted at D23 Expo Japan in 2018 before heading to the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, is making its next stop at the Graceland Exhibition Center starting July 23, 2021. The 10,000-square-foot traveling exhibit celebrates the ...

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The magic is on the move! The exhibition Inside the Walt Disney Archives, which first debuted at D23 Expo Japan in 2018 before heading to the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, is making its next stop at the Graceland Exhibition Center starting July 23, 2021. The 10,000-square-foot traveling exhibit celebrates the legacy of the Walt Disney Archives, with behind-the-scenes access never before granted to the public. Guests of all ages are invited to step into the Walt Disney Archives as they walk through a dazzling display of more than 450 objects, including original artwork, costumes, and props that tell the story of the Archives, The Walt Disney Company, and Walt Disney himself. From nostalgic classics like rarely displayed sketches for Fantasia and ghosts from the Haunted Mansion attraction to modern-day favorites like a maquette from Frozen and a Wolverine costume, this enchanting exhibition is an immersive treasure trove the entire family will love.

Lion King

The exhibit spans multiple Disney properties including items ranging from Disney live action to animated films, Walt Disney’s personal effects, items from various Disney Parks, vintage Disney merchandise, 20th Century Fox films, and more. Some of the highlights of the exhibit include: 

  • Jack Sparrow’s compass from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
  • Costumes from Beauty and the Beast, 101 Dalmatians, Pretty Woman, Walk the Line, and more
  • Mary Poppins’ original carpet bag
  • Davy Crockett’s racoonskin cap
  • Wilson from Cast Away
  • Vehicles from Toad’s Wild Ride, Herbie: Fully Loaded, and Tron: Legacy
  • The sword from Zorro
  • Magic Bedknob from Bedknobs and Broomsticks
  • Prop storybook from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
  • Alien Xenomorph prop figure from the Disney’s Hollywood Studios attraction The Great Movie Ride
  • Tombstones and Hitchhiking Ghosts from the Haunted Mansion attraction
  • Electromagnetic Shrinking Machine from Honey, I Shrunk the Kids
  • Lumiere and Cogsworth props from 2017’s Beauty and the Beast
  • Dead Man’s Chest from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest
  • Congo Queen Model Boat from Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise

Raccoon

The exhibit will continue through January 2, 2022, and will include a wide array of special events for people of all ages. D23 Gold Members should mark their calendars for Thursday, July 22, which will be a combination press day and D23 Gold Member event. Activities will include speakers including a presentation by the Director of the Walt Disney Archives Becky Cline, music, photo opportunities, and a special ribbon cutting. Plus, whenever you make your visit, remember that  D23 Gold Members receive a 20% discount on single exhibition admission and VIP Tours with proof of membership.

Disneyland

Through January 2, 2022 there will be numerous family friendly programing and presentations including:

  • Disney Trivia Nights
  • A Haunted Mansion Zoom panel with evening tours of the Disney exhibit and the Graceland Mansion
  • Exhibit Tour + Dive In Dinner & Movie Screening of The Lion King at the Guest House at Graceland Pool
  • Halloween costume party at the exhibit with a costume parade, candy stations, face painters, and craft stations
  • Exhibit Tours & Tea Parties
  • A Princess and Pirate party with crafts, trivia, bounce house, and games. Costumes encouraged!
  • Walt Disney’s Birthday Celebration Weekend
  • A The Princess and The Frog screening and Zoom panel with Disney animators/filmmakers

Donald

To see the full schedule and purchase tickets or hotel packages, please visit Graceland’s website.

Disney fans can currently check out Inside the Walt Disney Archives at the Bowers Museum, where the exhibition will be on view through June 20.

The post Walt Disney Archives Exhibit Heads to the Graceland Exhibition Center Starting July 23 appeared first on D23.

]]> The Walt Disney Archives Celebrates “50 Years of Preserving the Magic” https://d23.com/the-walt-disney-archives-celebrates-50-years-of-preserving-the-magic/ Wed, 12 Feb 2020 22:17:35 +0000 https://d23.com/?p=90897 By The Walt Disney Archives To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney Archives, pixie dust has transformed the department’s Reading Room into “50 Years of Preserving the Magic,” an exhibit showcasing rarely-before-seen historical objects that trace the beginnings of The Walt Disney Company to today. Upon entry, Guests are transported back to 1937 ...

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To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Walt Disney Archives, pixie dust has transformed the department’s Reading Room into “50 Years of Preserving the Magic,” an exhibit showcasing rarely-before-seen historical objects that trace the beginnings of The Walt Disney Company to today.

Upon entry, Guests are transported back to 1937 and the premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt’s first animated feature film and cornerstone of his studio’s artistic legacy. Among the unique pieces on display are a program and police pass from the film’s premiere at the Carthay Circle Theatre. Also featured is one of the oldest costumes in the Archives collection, the bodice worn by Marge Belcher Champion, Snow White’s live-action reference model and Disney Legend. Theme park lovers can even say “hello” to a few of their favorite Audio-Animatronics® Dwarfs from Snow White’s Scary Adventures at Walt Disney World Resort, but beware of the Witch… she could be close-by!

The bookshelves have been studded with some of the collections’ most prestigious film and television prop books—representing films from The Sword in the Stone (1963) to Inspector Gadget (1999), television series such as Once Upon a Time (2011–18) and All My Children (1970–2011), and even some 20th Century Studios favorites such as How I Met Your Mother (2005–11) and The Devil Wears Prada (2006).

Above the prop books, a trail of pixie dust highlights some of the most significant dates in Company history, and showcases assets that help bring the dates to life. Tim Taylor’s toolbelt from Home Improvement (1991–99) and Dreamfinder’s hat and goggles from Journey Into Imagination at Epcot are just a few of the treasures you may recognize.

The exhibit wouldn’t be complete without paying homage to the department that’s been preserving the magic for 50 years, the Walt Disney Archives. To commemorate the founding of the group on June 22, 1970, by Disney Legend Dave Smith, a portion of the new exhibit contains documents and memorabilia from both the Archives and Dave’s personal collections—including the proposal presented to Roy O. Disney that led to the creation of the whole collection.

Employees of The Walt Disney Company and their guests may visit the Walt Disney Archives Reading Room during regular weekday hours (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) and D23 Gold and Gold Family Members can visit the Archives exclusively through The Official Walt Disney Studios Tour—Presented by D23.

 

Walt Disney Archives “50 Years of Preserving the Magic” Snow White Carthay Theatre

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