When
20–22 Jan 2022
6–9.30pm
See below for additional related events
Join us after hours for a twilight visit to our magical Disney exhibition.
Don't miss your last chance to see this incredible exhibition. Meet up with friends and grab a drink from the bar while we share a playlist of our favourite interpretations of Disney songs. And while you're in the building, share your experience on socials with some very special photo opportunities.
About Disney: The Magic of Animation
Discover the creativity and innovation of almost 100 years of Disney Animation.
Shown in Australia for the very first time, exclusive to Melbourne, this exhibition contains original sketches and rare artworks from 1928 to the present day, including a world-first exhibit of artworks from Raya and the Last Dragon (2021).
The Walt Disney Animation Studios have been creating extraordinary films for nearly a century, and every film begins with drawings that capture the essence of character, story and emotion.
This exhibition features over 500 exceptional artworks including original paintings, sketches and concept art that have been specially selected by the Walt Disney Animation Research Library in Los Angeles, California. These rarely seen works reveal the development of beloved stories and animation techniques from your favourite Walt Disney Animation Studios films and shorts, including Mickey Mouse’s first talkie, Steamboat Willie (1928), films such as Fantasia (1940), Sleeping Beauty (1959), The Little Mermaid (1989), The Lion King (1994), Frozen (2013), Moana (2016), Frozen 2 (2019) and the studio’s latest release, Raya and the Last Dragon (2021).
The five sections of this exhibition each focus on a different era of innovation, from perfecting the technique of bringing two dimensional drawings to life in the 1920s, to the creation of the first animated feature films in the late 1930s and 1940s, the stylistic innovations of the post-war years, the renaissance of the 1990s to the digital revolution and advances of present day. The exhibition charts the Walt Disney Animation Studio's process in continuing to tell diverse and inclusive stories for contemporary audiences.
Be inspired by the incredible artistry behind your favourite characters and discover how drawings are brought to life, from pencil and paper to today’s computer-generated wonders.
Disney: The Magic of Animation is shown for the first time ever in Australia, exclusive to Melbourne.
Exhibition Partner
Plan your visit
Read our COVID-safe visitor guidelines, information on accessibility, amenities, transport, dining options and more.
Looking for dining options?
Drop into Hero, our restaurant and cafe
As well as great coffee and snacks, our new restaurant features a seasonally driven menu developed by acclaimed Melbourne chef, Karen Martini
Learn more about the magic behind Disney's animation
Draw your own Disney characters!
Activity sheet for kids
Your kids can serve a dish of Lady and Tramp’s favourite food, help Pluto land on his paws, and draw an enchanted world from their imagination with this printable resource.
Image: Lady and the Tramp (1955), Frank Thomas, Clean-up animation drawing, coloured pencil and graphite on paper © Disney
ACMI Shop
Short Story inspires meaningful and happy living through beautiful gifts with a story to tell.
This year, Disney x Short Story are working together to share their touch in incorporating heartfelt storytelling and meaningful gifts inspired by your favourite timeless Disney Characters.
Presenting partner
Major Technology Partner
Major Research Partner
Major Academic Partner
Exhibition Partner
Exhibition Supporters
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