ACMI extends landmark Disney exhibition

ACMI's Summer program kicks off with a special screening of Disney's upcoming feature Encanto followed by an in-conversation Q&A with Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Throwing open the doors on 30 October – in line with the easing of restrictions in Victoria – ACMI welcomes back visitors, and delights lovers of the moving image across the country by announcing the extension of its current Melbourne Winter Masterpieces exhibition, Disney: The Magic of Animation, until 23 January 2022.

Celebrating nearly 100 years of Disney’s most iconic animations, the internationally acclaimed exhibition was originally scheduled to close on 17 October. As many missed out on visiting during Melbourne’s lockdown, ACMI and the Walt Disney Animation Research Library worked together to ensure the exhibition’s 500 original artworks from the 1920s to the present day would be able to remain in Victoria for a few months longer.

Over the course of the summer, ACMI will also present a variety of Disney themed events, bringing visitors of all ages together to augment and enrich their exhibition experience.

ACMI Director & CEO Katrina Sedgwick OAM said: “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors back to our national museum of screen culture – and what a way to celebrate. It was magical seeing fans of all ages get lost in the wonderful world of Disney during the exhibition’s opening weeks. We’re excited to extend the opportunity to experience these enchanting artworks from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library and hope they bring people joy as the city reanimates after a challenging few months.”

A special screening of Disney’s latest animated masterpiece, Encanto, followed by a live Q&A discussion with Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios Jennifer Lee – writer & director of the beloved Frozen films – will kick off the summer programming on 4 December. Hosted by Maria Lewis, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear directly from one of the top creative minds working in animation today.

Much-loved film soundtrack podcast Art of the Score, hosted by Andrew Pogson, Dan Golding and Nicholas Buc, will be presented live at ACMI on 18 December. Taking audiences on a deep dive into Disney’s iconic back catalogue, Art of the Score: Disney soundtracks will explore, demystify and celebrate the enchanting music of Disney, offering an aural journey through the ages, reliving their favourite songs along the way.

Hit those high notes with some of Disney’s most memorable (and magical) musicals in a series of Princess Sing-alongs from 13–15 January. Costumes and vocal cords at the ready, fans of The Little Mermaid, Moana, Frozen and Frozen 2 will be transported to faraway lands with these immersive and interactive screenings.

Taking school holiday activities to the next level, ACMI’s free Make It Together sessions provide entertainment for everyone. From bringing drawings to life as you discover the secret to the art of cel animation on 8-9 January, to crafting wearable Mickey ears on 15–16 January, the magic of Disney will inspire and incite creativity in all ages.

Ensuring the much-loved exhibition is accessible to all, ACMI introduces relaxed visits on 8 and 15 January. Suited for visitors with ASD, sensory sensitivities or anyone who would benefit from a quieter and less busy setting, the relaxed visits give everyone a chance to enjoy the artworks in an environment that suits them.

In welcome news for those who enjoy visiting after hours, the museum will extend its opening hours with the exhibition remaining open until 9.30pm on the final three nights of the season, from 20–22 January.

Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson said: “The extension of this exhibition will give Victorian families a great opportunity to have fun together as we reopen – allowing them to experience this wonderful spectacle and everything else ACMI has to offer.”

Visit Victoria Chief Executive Officer Brendan McClements said: “As Melbourne returns to doing what it does best, the extension of this world-class exhibition will help us welcome visitors back to Victoria with a calendar packed full of amazing events.”

Kylie Watson-Wheeler, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, The Walt Disney Company Australia & New Zealand said: “Part of The Walt Disney Company’s local and loved strategy is to create new opportunities to share our unique and global stories with local audiences. This is at the heart of everything we do to entertain, connect and inspire. We are thrilled to announce that the exhibition will be extended, and to share the Disney: The Magic of Animation exhibition with the people of Melbourne at the iconic ACMI museum in the centre of the city. Bringing this exhibition to Australian shores invites guests to connect with the depth and breadth of our stories and beloved characters in a more relevant, and meaningful way. We hope that those who attend will be delighted and inspired by the artistry showcased, bringing to life our Disney stories and its magic here in Australia.”

Disney: The Magic of Animation is part of the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces series, a Victorian Government initiative delivered through Visit Victoria. ACMI’s free programming as part of this exhibition is proudly supported by City of Melbourne. Masterclasses and talks are generously supported by the US Consulate General Melbourne.

Tickets for the extended season of Disney: The Magic of Animation go on sale today. To book visit acmi.net.au.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Disney: The Magic of Animation
Until 23 January 2022
ACMI, Fed Square
acmi.net.au

Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 12–5pm
Weekends and school holidays: 10am–6pm
Tickets
Full $26, Concession $22.50, Member $20, Child $17, Group (4 + people) $18 each, Family $72 (up to 5 people)

Tickets to all events are available at acmi.net.au.

Disney's Encanto + In Conversation with Jennifer Lee 4 Dec, 11.30am
Full $25, Concession $20, Member $18, Child (1-15 years), $15

Art of the Score: Disney Soundtracks 18 Dec, 2.30pm-3.30pm
Free

Make it Together: Cel Animation 8-9 Jan, 11am-5pm
Free

Disney Princess Sing-alongs 13-15 Jan
Full $22, Concession $19, Member $18, Child $12, Family $55

Disney: The Magic of Animation Relaxed Visits 8 & 15 Jan, 10-11am
Exhibition prices apply

Make it Together: Decorate Your Own Mickey Ears 15-16 Jan, 11am-5pm
Free with exhibition ticket

Disney After Hours 20-22 Jan, 6-9.30pm
Free with exhibition ticket

View the Disney event pages here