Can you believe the Walt Disney Family Museum is turning 10 on October 1st? Since its opening, the Museum has highlighted Disney icons such as The Nine Old Men, Tyrus Wong and Mary Blair, and showcased Walt Disney’s love for trains. However, for this milestone celebration, something extra special was needed. During the planning stages of the Museum, Diane Disney Miller mentioned to Disney Legend Andreas Deja that she wanted him to be involved in a Mickey Mouse exhibition. Andreas agreed, not realizing that she wanted him to curate it. Over a decade later, he and artist Michael Labrie have brought Diane’s vision to life with the heartwarming offering “Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World.”
Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World
Paralleling Walt’s own journey and impact on art and entertainment, over 400 nuggets of Mickey Mouse history— some never before seen— cover Mickey’s beginnings, his leap off of the silver screen, and his continued relevance and influence on pop culture. There is a “How to Draw Mickey” gallery that is fun for all ages, and two scavenger hunts if you have the time. The most touching section is all is where you can listen to audio clips of all of Mickey’s voices, from Walt to Chris Diamanpoulos.
Mickey’s underdog personality, whimsy and contagious humor evoke emotions that transcend language, shining a light on why Mickey Mouse is beloved around the world.
These are only a few of the pieces on display in the Diane Disney Miller Exhibition Hall through January 6, 2020. There is so much more there to be explored and enjoyed in person (scroll left and right on the image slider below):
A Powerful Force: Working to End Homelessness
Also on view until January 6 is “A Powerful Force: Working to End Homelessness,” the newest community access exhibition that uses different mediums to increase visibility and provide a voice to underrepresented populations. This free-to-the-public presentation features works by youth ages 6-25 who are experiencing homelessness. The Walt Disney Family Museum’s School and Outreach team partnered with local non-profit groups Raphael House, Larkin Street Youth Services, and Youth Spirit Artworks to provide an outlet for their clients to tell their stories through art. The title of the show is taken from a quote by Walt: “There is great comfort and inspiration in this feeling of close human relationships and its bearing on our mutual fortunes – a powerful force to overcome the tough breaks which are certain to come for most of us from time to time.” Here are a few images provided by the Museum of the original creations.
Celebrating Generations
Everyone has their own memories of Mickey, like an animated feature or favorite theme park, or of their favorite experience and exhibit at the Walt Disney Family Museum, but it is the collective love of those things that connects people together, removing barriers and transforming strangers into friends.
Connections are part of San Francisco-based artist Sirron Norris’ commissioned piece “Generations.” It serves as a nod to Mickey’s legacy, past Museum exhibits of Disney artists who influenced him, and iconic landmarks of the San Francisco Bay Area. One such detail is The Presidio, which not only houses the museum, but is also where Norris’ grandfather was stationed in the 1950s. These kinds of multi-layered associations make this a very special piece for the museum and a wonderful tribute to the museum’s 10th anniversary.
The Walt Disney Family Museum has succeeded in its mission to educate people about Walt Disney as a person, and to connect with the people around us. Through their collection, and in their encouragement of future generations to be all they can be, they are inspiring people to be innovators and forward thinkers. I can’t wait to see what they have in store for the next 10 years!
What is on your wish list for future exhibition themes at the Museum? For more information about the Walt Disney Family Museum, visit waltdisney.org.
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