The Walt Disney Company celebrates 90 years with new exhibit in Chicago

The Walt Disney Company will be celebrating its 90th Anniversary tomorrow, Oct. 16, 2013, not in Anaheim, Burbank or Orlando, but in Chicago, Walt’s birth place. D23, the official Disney Fan Club will present Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, an exhibition which encompasses nearly 300 artifacts from nine decades of Disney history in Chicago at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI). While a few of the signature assets have been shown previously, this is a new exhibit which was designed specifically for MSI and includes many rarely seen items.

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives showcases the creative accomplishments and innovations of one of Chicago’s native sons, Walt Disney, and the ongoing legacy of the company that bears his name. From Mickey Mouse to Mary Poppins to Captain Jack Sparrow, the exhibition features drawings, props, costumes and artwork from classic Disney animation, theme park attractions, TV shows and live action films, plus items from contemporary Disney milestones.

“The Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives showcases the creativity and innovation that has defined Disney for 90 years,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re proud of this heritage, and we are very pleased to share this rare glimpse into our rich history with Chicago’s world-renowned Museum of Science and Industry.”

The exhibition will feature interactive stations that will bring Disney technological breakthroughs in animation and motion pictures to life. Guests can try their luck in recording sound effects for a film, explore Disney’s revolutionary MultiPlane film camera and learn to draw some of their favorite Disney characters in the Animation Academy.

Among the extraordinary items to be featured:
• Clips from several of Walt Disney’s earliest animated works, before there was a Mickey.
• The original script, written by Walt Disney, for the 1928 cartoon short Steamboat Willie, which introduced movie theater audiences to Mickey Mouse for the very first time.
• A partial recreation of Walt Disney’s formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., including original furnishings and many of his personal items.
• Hand-drawn artwork, hand-sculpted models and props used in the production of some of Disney’s most iconic and renowned animated features, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty.
• A recreation of a working animator’s office from the Disney Studios featuring authentic animator’s furniture, and models.
• Animation models and artwork from contemporary Disney animation film hits, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Aladdin.
• Props from classic Disney live-action films, including Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Rocketeer, The Princess Diaries, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Enchanted.
• A special area of the exhibition that is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the release of Mary Poppins, with film clips, interviews with the movie’s creators and rare behind-the-scenes photos.
• A salute to Disneyland Park in California and Magic Kingdom Park in Florida, showcasing artwork, Audio-Animatronics characters and memorabilia from such popular attractions as it’s a small world, Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, The Hall of Presidents, as well as early plans and correspondence for Walt Disney’s vision of Epcot.

This exhibit is not included in museum entry and will require an additional timed-entry ticket, which is $9 for adults, $9 for seniors and $7 for children 3-11. Tickets are on sale at msichicago.org. D23 Gold and Silver Members receive a special discount on exhibit entry.